Syringe Services Programs | Vermont Department of Health

Syringe Services Programs | Vermont Department of Health
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Syringe Services Programs
Programs & Services
Syringe Services Programs
Community Prevention Programs
Family Programs
Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program
MyTime
Prescription Drug Disposal
Prevention for Stronger Schools
Safe Needle Disposal in Vermont
Find a Syringe Services Program
Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) are effective community-based interventions that can prevent infectious diseases, link clients to treatment for substance use disorders, and reduce overdose deaths among people who inject drugs. They do not increase illegal drug use or crime.
Learn more about SSPs
SSPs offer
free and anonymous services
including syringes, supplies, overdose prevention resources, and other services in several communities around Vermont. Clients of SSPs are protected from our state’s paraphernalia law.
Sterile syringes may be sold at pharmacies throughout Vermont without a prescription. However, individual pharmacists may choose not to sell them.
Important Links
Get help at VT Helplink
Learn how to prevent and respond to an overdose
Get free naloxone
Safely dispose of a found needle
Increase in Cases of Invasive Group A Strep Infections in Vermont
Invasive group A strep infections are serious and may require hospitalization. There is an increased risk of infection for people who use drugs containing xylazine.
To prevent infection, keep wounds clean, moist, and covered. Seek medical care right away for wounds that may be infected (red, swollen, painful, or warm to touch) or if you have a fever, chills or unexplained nausea or vomiting.
Learn more
AREAS SERVED
NAME
MOBILE OR FIXED SITE
Bennington and Windham counties
AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
Fixed and mobile
Chittenden County
Howard Center Safe Recovery
Fixed and mobile
Orange and Windsor counties, select NH counties
HIV/HCV Resource Center
Mobile
Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Washington, Lamoille, Addison, Rutland, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle counties
Vermont CARES
Fixed and mobile
Reduce your risk of overdose
Avoid using alone.
Tell someone you trust and show them how to use naloxone or confidentially contact a volunteer with lived experience to make sure you are safe by calling
877-696-1996
or chatting at
NeverUseAlone.com
.
Use new syringes
to reduce your risk of infections and help to protect vein health.
Test for fentanyl and xylazine
with free test strips Fentanyl and xylazine can be dangerous and are often found in opioids as well as other drugs like cocaine, meth and any other powder or pill.
Go slow.
Start with a small amount to test drug strength.
Carry free naloxone
nasal spray (Narcan®) and know how to use it.
Call 911
if you think someone is overdosing. Give naloxone and stay with the person.
Vermont's Good Samaritan Law provides some protection for people who have overdosed and those who call 911 in case of an overdose emergency.
Learn more at KnowODVT.com
VT Helplink
is a free resource for Vermonters, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on your specific needs. No matter where in Vermont you are, a caring Helplink Specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step toward recovery.
Call
802-565-LINK (5465)
or toll-free
833-565-LINK (5465)
.
Available 24 hours a day, everyday
Free and confidential
You can also answer
quick and confidential questions
to get connected to the right services for you.
Visit VTHelplink.org
More Information
Vermont Statutes Related to Syringe Services Programs
Vermont SSP Operating Guidelines
Topics:
Addiction Help
|
Alcohol or Drug Treatment
|
Harm Reduction
|
Hepatitis
|
Heroin and Opioid Drugs
|
HIV
|
Illegal Drug Use
Last Updated:
April 22, 2026