RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite access to sterile syringes as a key component of a comprehensive strategy aimed at limiting the spread of infectious disease among people who inject drugs (CDC, 2020, America's drug overdose epidemic: Data to action). In an effort to implement best-practice, inform stakeholders, and improve the current availability of services, a needs-based syringe distribution model was piloted at one local syringe service program. DESIGN: A needs-based syringe distribution model was piloted at one syringe program location for 5 months. An analysis of pre- and post-implementation program utilization data was conducted. SAMPLE: Inclusion criteria included current participation in syringe service programs at the identified location. Participants from other locations were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: The following program utilization measures were analyzed: volume of syringes distributed, new client enrollment, routine client visits, and utilization of ancillary services such as on-site testing and naloxone distribution. RESULTS: Engagement increased across all four program utilization measures during the implementation of needs-based distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a needs-based syringe distribution model can increase the effectiveness of syringe service programs by increasing individual syringe coverage, which reduces high-risk injection behavior, such as syringe reuse and sharing.