sos recovery organization is proud to be a
registered syringe service provider (ssp) with the state of new hampshire's Department of health and human services
since 2022
Harm reduction is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that meets people where they are and supports individuals in making incremental positive changes in their lives. It recognizes that every person’s journey is different and focuses on reducing the immediate risks and harms associated with substance use while providing access to support, resources, and connection to support overall wellness.
At SOS Recovery Community Organization, harm reduction means offering low-barrier, judgment-free services that help people stay safer and healthier. Our services include sterile syringe exchanges, safer use supplies, access to naloxone, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, wound care, peer support, complex care coordination, and connections to healthcare, housing, treatment, and other community resources.
Harm reduction does not encourage substance use, it saves lives. By building trust and providing support without judgment, we create pathways for people to access care, recovery, and wellness on their own terms.
If you’re interested in learning more about the 40+ years of research supporting harm reduction, explore the myths and facts below to better understand this evidence-based prevention method.
FACT: SSPs do not increase drug use. Research shows that new users of SSPs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment and about three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t use the programs.
FACT: Evidence demonstrates that SSPs do not increase illegal drug use or crime. Studies in Baltimore and New York City have found no difference in crime rates between areas with and areas without SSPs. In Baltimore, trends in arrests were examined before and after a SSP was opened and found no correlation. A study in New York City assessed whether proximity to an SSP was associated with experiencing violence in an inner city neighborhood and found no association.
FACT: Properly operated programs reduce syringe litter by providing safe disposal containers and encouraging return/exchange systems. When services are restricted or pushed out, unsafe disposal can actually increase.
One NIDA-funded study found an eight-fold greater quantity of improperly disposed syringes in a major city without SSPs compared to a major city with SSPs. In another study, people who received syringes from an SSP were half as likely to dispose of them improperly compared to people who got them from other sources such as pharmacies.
FACT: SSPs are cost effective and cost saving for communities. A major public health review found strong evidence that SSPs reduce public spending by preventing HIV and hepatitis C infections, which are expensive to treat long term. Studies show a return on investment of about $1.30 to $5.50 in healthcare savings for every $1 spent, with broader SSP expansion projected to save hundreds of millions by preventing new HIV infections and reducing long-term treatment, emergency responder, and hospital costs.
FACT: Restricting access to SSPs through policies or ordinances can increase community harm by reducing access to sterile supplies and healthcare connections. Research shows SSPs reduce syringe sharing, lower HIV and Hepatitis C transmission, improve safe disposal practices, and connect people to treatment. Communities with less access to these services often experience worse public health outcomes and higher downstream healthcare costs.
FACT: Available local data from the Tri-Cities (Dover, Somersworth, and Rochester) show an overall decline in overdoses (fatal and nonfatal) in recent years following expanded harm reduction services, including SOS becoming a registered SSP in 2022. This aligns with statewide and national evidence that SSPs are associated with reduced overdose mortality and improved linkage to care, supporting them as a positive public health investment.
FACT: SSPs offer a comprehensive range of public health services. Guidance from the CDC shows SSPs serve as “bridges” to treatment and healthcare, with participants more likely to enter substance use treatment and reduce or stop injection compared to non-participants. New users of SSPs are about five times more likely to enter drug treatment and nearly three times more likely to reduce or discontinue injection drug use. SSPs also connect people to HIV/HCV care, naloxone, and medication-assisted treatment, increasing engagement in lifesaving services while lowering overdose risk and infectious disease transmission.
Accessing our harm reduction services is simple; stop by any of our centers during open hours to receive supplies and support. Services are provided with dignity, respect, and confidentiality, and no appointment or requirements are needed. For those who are unable to come in person to our centers, we offer local delivery of our supplies through our mobile outreach team. Please call or text 603-919-7317 for inquiries.
Along with harm reduction supplies, we provide peer support, case management, healthcare services, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, treatment resources, housing support, and other community resources. These low-barrier, lifesaving services help prevent overdose, reduce the spread of disease, and ensure people have the support they need to make the changes that are right for them.
At SOS, we believe connection saves lives. By meeting people where they are, we help build a healthier, safer community for everyone.
SOS was selected to pilot a Dried Blood Spot Testing (DBST) program in partnership with Lamprey Health Care, bringing convenient, low-barrier Hepatitis C testing directly into a recovery community setting. As the only recovery organization in New Hampshire currently offering this service in-house, SOS is helping reduce barriers to testing and connect individuals with the care and support they need.
DBST is a simple, minimally invasive test that uses just a small finger prick of blood and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Individuals who test positive will receive a free connection to follow-up care and treatment resources, if needed. Those who complete testing will also receive a $10 incentive.
Appointments are available Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM in our Dover center. Call our office, call/text our outreach line, or visit one of our centers to schedule your appointment.
