Determination of Need for Syringe Services Programs

Overview

Appropriation language from Congress in fiscal years 2016-2018 allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support syringe services programs (SSPs). It is allowed under certain conditions and is not allowed to be used to purchase needles or syringes.

CDC guidance for SSP funding

State, local, tribal, or territorial health departments must consult with CDC and provide evidence to get SSP funding. They must show that their area is experiencing, or at risk for, significant increases in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use.

CDC has developed guidance and consults with state, local, or tribal and territorial health departments if they have provided the required evidence per federal law.

Decisions about use of SSPs to prevent disease transmission and support the health of people who inject drugs are made at the state and local level.

CDC has 30 business days after receiving the request to notify the requestor whether there is enough evidence to require an SSP. When CDC finds sufficient evidence, local departments and other eligible HHS grant recipients may then apply to their respective federal agencies to direct funds to approved SSP activities.

Federal agency guidance for SSP funding

Each federal agency (e.g., CDC, HRSA, SAMHSA) have their own guidance for funding recipients regarding which specific programs may apply and its application process:

• CDC Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Program, 2016
• HRSA Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Program
• SAMHSA Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Program

The Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2016 allows funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support SSPs. However, these funds cannot be used to purchase needles or syringes.

To use DHHS funds for SSPs, state, local, tribal, or territorial health departments must consult with CDC. They must provide evidence that their area is experiencing, or at risk for, significant increases in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use.

Who can participate

Jurisdictions Determined to be Experiencing or At-risk of Significant Increases in Hepatitis Infection or an HIV Outbreak Due to Injection Drug Use Following CDC Consultation

Information current as of March 2, 2022.