Authorized by Title 29, Section 7993 of the Delaware Code, the goal of this program is to keep Injected Drug Users (IDUs) as healthy as possible while encouraging substance abuse treatment and enrolling HIV infected clients into medical and case management services.
Keeping IDUs free of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne pathogens also protects their wives, husbands, and families, who may not be aware of the drug use of their partners. Registered members of Wilmington’s Needle Exchange Program (NEP) are exempt from Delaware’s paraphernalia laws for possession of hypodermic needles.
Who is Eligible
- An active injected drug user.
- At least 14 years of age.
- A resident of the city of Wilmington.
To Exchange Needles, You Must
- Turn in one used needle for each new needle. (5 used ones for 5 new ones, 10 used ones for 10 new ones, etc.)
- Bring old/used needles in a plastic container (an empty soda bottle, clear if possible, a sharps container, or a coffee can will work)
- If you do not have a container, bundle 5 used needles together with a rubber band, all facing the same way.
When & Where:
- The service is provided on a mobile van at sites throughout Wilmington.
- New sites will be added throughout the first 6 months of 2007.
- It is best to call or access the website for information and to find the service site closest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does needle exchange encourage drug users to keep using drugs by giving them syringes?
No. Numerous medical and professional organizations have studied syringe exchange and concluded that it does not encourage drug use.
Rather, it is a highly effective way to prevent the spread of HIV and helps link drug users with drug treatment, medical care, counseling, and other social services.
Does needle exchange really reduce the transmission of HIV?
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania ran an eight year study of the Philadelphia needle exchange program. Within the eight years, the rate of new HIV infections dropped from 6.8% to less than 0.05% per year.
“A meticulous scientific review has now proven that needle exchange programs can reduce the transmission of HIV and save lives without losing ground in the battle against illegal drugs.” – Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Why drug users, when so many other people are affected by AIDS?
In Delaware, 43% of those currently living with HIV/AIDS and 50% of all HIV/AIDS cases are directly or indirectly related to needle sharing/IDU. 58% of the state’s IDU cases are Wilmington residents. Wilmington Blacks are especially affected by the epidemic and particularly, HIV infection directly and indirectly related to needle sharing. Not only are we helping IDUs, but we are also protecting their wives, husbands and partners.
Is this legal?
Yes. Our Syringe Exchange Program was authorized by the State of Delaware in June of 2006 Senate Bill 60. It is a Division of Public Health-sponsored harm reduction program. The City’s lawyers and other legal experts concluded that the state’s drug paraphernalia law never intended to interfere with legitimate disease control activities carried out by publicly-funded and authorized programs like the Delaware Needle Exchange Program. Other cities across the state and country, including Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, have also authorized needle exchange programs.
Contact Information
Phone: (302) 655-9880, extension 22
Website: Brandywine Counseling
Mail: Brandywine Counseling Inc
2713 Lancaster Avenue
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
