Community Risk Reduction Services 

Overview

BCHD’s Community Risk Reduction Services include the Syringe Exchange Program and the Staying Alive Overdose Response Program.

Syringe Exchange Program

The Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is an evidence-based public health intervention that aims to lower incidences of HIV, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne infections that are caused by the use of contaminated needles. The Syringe Exchange outreach team uses a hybrid approach to deliver harm reduction services throughout the City of Baltimore. The hybrid approach used by the program includes a mobile, backpacking, and street-based pop-up model to provide an array of prevention services. Some of these services include the provision of new sterile syringes along with the collection and disposal of used syringes, referrals and care linkage, health and harm reduction education, safe sharps disposal, wound care kits, safe injection equipment, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, HIV and Syphilis testing.  SEP staff also provide referrals to drug treatment centers and other support services. All SEP clients are trained to properly identify, respond, and reverse an opioid-related overdose with naloxone.

Staying Alive Overdose Response Program

The program began in 2004 as a public health intervention initiated by BCHD leadership to reduce opioid-related deaths in Baltimore City. Staying Alive staff train individuals in recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid-related overdose and responding appropriately to maximize the victim's chance of surviving. It offers education and training with access to Naloxone (Narcan) at various treatment centers and other facilities throughout the City of Baltimore. Trainings are also provided at several SEP sites, partner sites, and virtually at the link here. In 2015, the program gained state certification and the ability to train third parties on how to administer Narcan in addition to individuals with substance use disorders.

The mission of CRRS is to deliver free and confidential quality HIV prevention and harm reduction education and services in communities within Baltimore City, via mobile and other outreach methods, in a non-judmental manner that reduces the impacts of drug use among high-risk individuals and the general public. 

The vision for Community Risk Reduction Services is to expand the capacity and accessibility to a continuum of comprehensive harm reduction-centered services for all individuals with substance use disorders in Baltimore City, and surrounding jurisdictions.

Hours and locations, Last updated October 30th, 2024. To access The Baltimore City Syringe Service Program (SSP) Newsletter - Winter 2024-2025 please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: CRRS Programs including the Syringe Service Program mobile sites will be closed on the Baltimore City holidays. Please open schedule link above for closing dates located on the bottom of the SSP schedule.

Overdose Response Program - Staying Alive Program 

The following Reproductive Health Services are offered on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of each month:

• Emergency Contraceptives 
• Plan B pill 
• HIV and STI testing + treatment 
• Pregnancy Testing
• Vaginal and yeast infections 
• Pap Smears + breast exams 
• Sexual health and contraceptive education 

Volunteer Program

Volunteer for Needle Exchange!

Interested students who would like information on volunteering and completing an application can contact  Program Assistant, Cicely Franklin, via email by clicking here.

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