Syringe Exchange Program

Evergreen Health’s Syringe Exchange Program is a safe and welcoming place for you to get the services and support you need. We provide a safe space for people who use drugs and other substances to get the services and support they need. Our mobile and walk-in syringe exchanges offer clean needles and injection tools, overdose prevention training and safer injection counseling with our peers and health care professionals.

What we provide

• syringes and injection works — Use a fresh rig for each shot! They’re free.
• safety guide for handling and disposal of sharps
• a place for you to return your used rigs
• overdose prevention training (Narcan/Naloxone) and kits
• safer injection advice and information about drug use and your health
• HIV and Hepatitis C testing
• very accessible buprenorphine (sometimes referred to as Suboxone) treatment to stabilize, reduce or quit your use
• help getting into substance use treatment or medical services
• educational and support groups
• linkage to Peer Exchange Workers

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone who injects drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crack, meth, other opioids/opiates, etc., or other substances, including insulin, vitamins and steroids.

What is the purpose of syringe exchange programs?

Syringe exchanges have proven effective at reducing the transmission of blood-borne illness, especially HIV and Hepatitis C, among people who inject drugs. They are also a place where substance/drug users can access other health services.

Do I need insurance to participate?

No. All syringe exchange services are completely free. Referrals to some medical or mental health services may require insurance. If you need insurance, Evergreen will help you sign up.

Is it private and confidential?

Enrollment in the syringe exchange is anonymous, which means you don’t have to provide your name or any contact information to be in the program.

Why should you join Evergreen’s Syringe Exchange Program?

• You will get a syringe exchange ID card that you should carry at all times.
• You can show this to police if they stop you.
• Your ID card protects you from catching a charge for syringe possession if you get stopped with new or used syringes on you. Please let us know if you are arrested for carrying syringes or are treated unfairly by police, and try to get the officer’s name or badge number.
• If you are arrested, we can provide you with a letter for court to prove you are a syringe exchange member and explains New York State laws about syringe possession.

Syringe exchange membership does NOT protect you from charges for drugs or other paraphernalia.

Mobile Syringe Exchange

The Harm Reduction Program Mobile Unit travels to different locations so you can get the same great service as a visit to the Syringe Exchange.

What does the mobile unit offer?

• sterile needles and works
• Narcan training and kits
• HIV and hepatitis C testing
• linkage to other substance use services

Our current location

Call or text us at 716.482.9633 to find out where we are in WNY.

More than just medical care

We have a wide range of programs and services that will help you live your healthiest life. These services include:

• pharmacy
• financial counseling services
• care coordination
• HOPWA and other supportive housing opportunities
• transportation assistance
• food pantry
• mental health services
• substance use counseling
• support groups
• and more