Vermont CARES Syringe Service Program is a free and anonymous, low barrier service designed by and for people who use drugs. Some of the many services and supplies we offer include:
  • Sterile Syringe Distribution: Providing sterile syringes to reduce the risk of disease transmission from sharing or reusing needles.
  • Used Syringe Collection: Safely collecting and disposing of used syringes to ensure they don’t pose a risk to the community or environment.
  • Other Safer Use Equipment: Distribution of cookers, filters, sterile water, alcohol pads, ties, smoking and snorting supplies further reduces risks.
  • Access to Naloxone: Offering Narcan (an opioid overdose reversal drug) and training on how to use it, potentially saving lives in cases of opioid overdose.
  • Community-based drug checking: Distribution of test strips and onsite drug checking through spectrometer technology.
  • Wound Care: Distribution of wound care kits to clean and bandage wounds that do not require medical attention.
  • Referral Services: Connecting individuals to vital services such as substance use treatment, recovery services, medical care, mental health services, food security and housing assistance.
  • HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Offering free or low-cost testing services to detect these infections early and link individuals to appropriate care.
  • Education and Counseling: Providing information on safer injection practices, wound care, and other harm reduction strategies.
  • Safer Sex Supply Distribution: Promoting safer sex practices by providing free supplies to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections
  • Mobile Services: Pop Up mobile days at community partner sites and delivery to locations chosen by those needing services.
  • Donations: Gently used clothing donated by community members.