Syringe Services programs provide a variety of services to people who use injection drugs, including providing sterile injection supplies and accepting used syringe waste.  Vermont has allowed syringe services programs for many years; NH passed enabling legislation for these programs in 2017.  The CDC recommends Syringe Services Programs as an effective way to reduce the transmission of blood-borne disease such as Hepatitis C and HIV; create opportunities for persons with substance use disorders to learn about and get referrals to treatment organizations; and help reduce syringe waste in communities.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Lebanon provides assistance to the HIV/HCV Resource Center to support their existing services in Hartford, VT as well as to support planned programs in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire.  New Hampshire programs are currently pending various approvals.  Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Community Health team has been working with Upper Valley community partners to identify potential syringe services sites, building a relationship between HIV/HCV Resource Center and potential volunteer staff for these services, and otherwise helping to prepare for syringe services programs once sites are identified.