HIV Prevention for Active Injection Drug Users: A Brief History of Syringe Exchange Programs.

It is estimated that approximately half of all new HIV infections are related to injection drug use (Holmberg, 1996), as used syringes can harbor blood with traces of viable HIV for over 4 weeks (Abdala, Stephens, Griffith, & Heimer, 1999). Due to this concern, Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) and other related HIV prevention programs for active injection drug users have been developed and expanded in many urban areas of the United States over the past 15 years. Based on the Harm Reduction model of service provision, SEPs seek to reduce the harm associated with injection drug use through the elimination of the primary means by which HIV risk is spread, the shared syringe. Despite extensive research supporting the efficacy of SEPs, significant barriers exist to the delivery of these services, as SEPs are often viewed as being outside the traditional continuum of care for HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. All social workers involved in HIV/AIDS services should be aware of these programs and continued expansion and integration with other HIV/AIDS services should be a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]