Prior to the Needle Exchange Program presentation I had preconceived notions that the people they serve take advantage and abuse the program. I wasn’t fully aware of what the program provides and had the initial understanding that they were just giving them full use to take drugs. Unfortunately, growing up, there was definitely a very judgemental view that was embedded into me by my family. I was taught that people who struggle with addiction were people to stay away from and shun because they weren’t in their right mind. After the program, it opened my eyes to more information and evidence based practices as to why it is safer for people to be given sterile needles and supplies. What was most helpful to understand was comparing it to using condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancy. It is just a means of reducing risk in the community that needs help.
As a program it is able to destigmatize and help people realize how difficult it is to overcome addiction. This program helps to get that conversation started and to have people who are normally pushed away and not heard be seen in society. Having access to sterile needles, alcohol wipes and a sharps container can help people who struggle with addiction reduce risks of infection. It also helps keep the community safer by keeping used needles out of the streets where people can get accidental needle sticks. The program also does offer Narcan training and gives out Narcan for free. This drug can help so many people not die from overdosing on drugs. This gives a person another chance to turn their life around. Overall, the program provides a non judgmental environment that helps people gain access to what they need at the time, whether it be when they are just providing needles or connecting them to programs that help them overcome their addiction.
