Injection drug users (IDUs) can become infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through sharing contaminated syringes and other injection equipment; they can then transmit the viruses to others through high-risk sexual behavior.

Public Health Law allows individuals to legally obtain and transport syringes provided they enroll in a Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) and carry an identification card with a unique number.

Trillium Health SEP staff educate about the dangers of sharing needles and injection equipment, provide sterile syringes and safe disposal methods of used syringes. Staff also provide linkage and navigation services to medical care, rehabilitation services, and other supportive services.