Needle Exchange

ABOUT

Injection drug use accounts for approximately 34% of all HIV/AIDS cases in Western Massachusetts, 25% in Massachusetts, and 19% nationwide. Needle exchange is a harm reduction method that aims to deter the harmful consequences of contaminated injection equipment by offering sterile needles and disposing used ones.

Tapestry Health's Needle Exchange Program in Northampton has been the only of its kind in Western Massachusetts since 1995, and is one of just four statewide. We provide sterile needles to injection drug users in order to discourage reuse, and curb HIV and hepatitis C transmission. We also offer intra-nasal Narcan©, a drug that counters opioid overdose, and give trainings on administering it. 

Our Needle Exchange has accomplished reaching injection drug users and reducing risk behaviors through effective education and counseling around safer injection practices. We understand that addiction is a complicated disease, and offer judgment-free counseling; when a client decides to deal with a drug problem, we provide assistance in getting help for that person. Please call (413) 586-0310 for more information. 

SERVICES

• Sterile syringes
• Safe syringe disposal
  
• HIV counseling and testing
• STI and hepatitis C screening
  
• Overdose prevention/Narcan© training
  
• Individual and group harm reduction education
• Provision of safer injection and safer sex supplies
  
• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
• Flu shots
• Substance use and addiction counseling
• Supported referrals to substance abuse treatment and programs