Syringe Exchange ProgramsSyringe Exchange Programs, also known as Needle Exchange Programs, Syringe Services Programs, and Needle Programs -syringes, are community programs that provide free access to sterile needles and syringes. reduce costs and facilitate the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Patients who inject drugs can significantly reduce their risk of contracting and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections by using a sterile needle and syringe for each injection rather than using dirty needles and syringes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018).Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay According to guidelines from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these programs are an effective part of an integrated approach to HIV and hepatitis prevention. C in patients who inject drugs. Needle exchange programs also provide other preventive materials such as alcohol swabs, condoms and sterile water. They provide training on safe injection practices, wound care and overdose prevention. They provide references to substance use disorder programs, such as medication-assisted treatment. They provide counseling, testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C. They provide vaccines for hepatitis A and B, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, screening for tuberculosis, medications to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and mental health services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018).To receive federal funding for needle exchange programs, a process must be followed. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 gives states and local communities the ability to use federal funds to support these programs. State, local, tribal, and territorial health departments can then request authorization to use the funds to support needle exchange programs. The state or local health department must then consult with the CDC and provide evidence of its need in the community. After that, the CDC has 30 business days to notify the required health department if evidence supports the need for the needle exchange program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). The State of New Jersey has numerous needle exchange programs available to the community. They include the Prevention Resource Network in Asbury Park, the Syringe Access Program Atlantic City in Atlantic City, the HARM Reduction Syringe Access Program in Camden, Project X-Change, Works in Jersey City, NJCRI in Newark and Point of Hope in Paterson (North American Syringe Exchange Network, 2018). Advantages and Disadvantages These needle exchange programs have many advantages and disadvantages. Supporters of needle exchange programs say the benefits outweigh the risks. Needle exchanges have had a positive impact on communities around the world. Many benefits are supported by research. But harm reduction advocates need to educate community members, because drug use is stigmatized. Some benefits we found were a lower number of contaminated needles in a community, a reduction in drug-related behaviors and.