NEED's central function is to make sure that a steady supply of clean syringes is made available to any and all in need, with the goal being to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C commonly associated with sharing used syringes. That said, we are consistently looking to expand the scope of our work by offering practical and effective services to people who have few options when seeking health care. Below you can learn more about the services we provide and some of the projects that we work on.

Needle Exchange

We run three needle exchange/distribution sites per week: Sunday 6-8pm, Tuesday 4-6pm, and Thursday 6-8pm.

Harm Reduction Supplies

At NEED's three sites you'll find an ample supply of the following: syringes (27g 5/8" 1cc; 28g 1/2" 1cc and 1/2 cc; 29g 1/2" 1cc and 1/2cc; as well as assorted muscling needles), cotton, cookers, ties, biohazard containers, alcohol pads, We also have have spark plug covers and ascorbic acid (vitamin C, "breakdown") for safer crack use, and assorted condoms and lube. If there's a supply you don't see, just ask; we might have it!

Overdose Prevention

Preventing an overdose is essential knowledge for anyone using injection drugs. We aim to educate users and staff alike on the basics of overdose prevention, including the use of Naloxone to reverse the effect of an opiate overdose.

Information & Referrals

At each site we have available information on a variety of providers offering services pertinent to exchange users and community members, including HIV/AIDS testing and prevention; STD testing and education; and addiction programs.