Enhancing Community Acceptance of Syringe Services Programs

The United States is in the midst of a growing opioid epidemic. As a result of sharing contaminated needles, HIV transmission rates have also increased. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing tools that can reduce harm in communities experiencing high rates of HIV transmitted by needles. Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) can support communities by offering services such as testing for HIV and other infectious diseases, access to clean needles and connection to treatment upon request. Unfortunately, there is a significant stigma surrounding SSPs and the people who use them. This project aims to leverage social media to educate communities about the benefits of SSPs, dispel misinformation and garner support at a grassroots level. CDC is funding the CDC Foundation to implement public health interventions based on social media messaging and engagement in target communities. The CDC Foundation is partnering with the Public Good Projects (PGP), a nonprofit with expertise in implementing public health interventions on social media.