Needle Exchange Program

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AIDS PEI offers a harm reduction and education service for people who inject drugs.

Protect Yourself from HIV and Hepatitis Infection: HIV and Hepatitis B & C can be transmitted from one infected person to another through shared needles and other injection equipment. SWAP provides services and information needed to help prevent harms that can result from injecting drugs, tattooing, piercing and other activities that can be risky. Some of the risks related to injecting drugs:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis A,B,C
  • Abscesses
  • Endocarditis
  • Blood poisoning
  • Cotton Fever
  • Dirty Hits
  • Overdose

Safe injecting tips:

Head and Neck

It is best not to inject anywhere on the head or neck! Because these areas are closest to the heart and brain, it's easier to overdose, and abscesses are more dangerous.

Wrists

The insides of the wrists are full of nerves, veins and arteries all close together. Also not a good area for injecting.

Groin

The groin area is not a good place to inject. You could hit a major artery and lose your leg or die! It is also not a good idea to inject into the genitals themselves (that goes for both men and women).

Arms

If surface veins in arms are good, use them but rotate sites regularly.

Hands and Feet

The veins on the back of the hand and the top of the foot are fragile so inject slowly. It will hurt!

Legs

The blood flows slowly in leg veins, so inject slowly (be careful, there is an artery behind the knee). It is easier for blood clots to form in this area.

 Important information about bleach

  • Not 100% effective in killing HIV in a syringe
  • Does not kill Hepatitis C. in a syringe
  • Household bleach is only effective for one year after it has been opened
  • Bleach should only be used as a last option, if you do not have access to new needles
  • Talk to a needle exchange worker if you have any questions about bleach use

Needle Exchange Services

Exchange services are done in a private, confidential area where individuals can exchange their used needles for new needles and other injection equipment. We provide the tools and information required to reduce the risk of harm related to injection drug use, including:

  • New needles
  • Safe Disposal of used needles
  • Filters
  • Alcohol prep-pads
  • Sterile Water
  • Tie Offs
  • Safer using & vein care info
  • Information about testing for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C
  • Info on HIV
  • Info on Hepatitis B & C
  • Condoms & Lubrication
  • Support and referrals

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm at the offices of AIDS PEI, 144 Prince Street, Charlottetown, PEI
For more information call AIDS PEI 566-2437 or toll free at 1-800-314-2437.