County of Los
Angeles Department of Public Health
Syringe Exchange
Program (SEP)
The sharing of used and contaminated
needles and syringes is a major
mode of transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and other
blood-born diseases among injection users. In an effort to prevent the
transmission of these diseases among an estimate of
152,000 IDUs in Los Angeles County, the LAC Syringe
Exchange Program provides participants access to sterile
needles and syringes, wound care, HIV counseling, drug
treatment referrals and other harm-reduction services.
Benefits of a syringe exchange program:
- Reduces the spread of blood-borne diseases such as
HIV and Hepatitis C among IDUs and the community;
- Reduces the sharing and reuse of contaminated
syringes and needles by reducing their average
circulation time;
- Reduces the total health costs associated with HIV
and/or Hepatitis treatments;
- Provides participants access to health, counseling,
and drug treatment referral services ;
- Provides a safe method for collecting and disposing
of used sharps;
How to find a syringe exchange location:
Please call 1-888-LANEX-85 to locate a syringe
exchange program nearest you.
The Los Angeles County Syringe Exchange Program
is partnering with the following agencies to provide
harm reduction services to our residents:
| Asian American
Drug Abuse Program (AADAP, Inc.) |
| Bienestar
|
| Clean Needles
Now (CNN) |
| Common Ground
|
| Tarzana
Treatment Centers (TTC) |
Drug Treatment Resources:
If you would like information about alcohol or drugs related
problems and available treatment options in Los Angeles
County, please call
1-800-564-6600. A representative from the local
Community Assessment Service Center will help you find
the right treatment program.
