Durham County - NC - Public Health
HomeSyringe & Naloxone Services
Safe Syringe Program
Through the Safe Syringe Program (SSP), Durham residents may visit the Department of Public Health pharmacy or mobile-site locations throughout the community to receive the following services, free of charge:
- Sterile (unused) syringes and the option to safely dispose of used needles
- Take home naloxone kits to reverse an overdose
- Testing strips to detect fentanyl and xylazine in drugs
- HIV and Hepatitis C testing
- Mental health and substance use services
Sharing used syringes can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and other infections among people who use drugs. The SSP is designed to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of HIV and other STIs in our community. All SSP services are delivered confidentially. To learn more about this program or other pharmacy services, call 919-560-7632. The pharmacy is located at the Durham County Human Services building at 414 East Main Street, Durham NC 27701, 1st floor, Clinic 3.
Fentanyl and Xylazine Testing Strips
Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin. You cannot smell or taste it. Just a tiny amount can cause overdose and death. Xylazine, also called "tranq," is a non-opioid tranquilizer that is used by veterinarians to sedate animals. Xylazine is not approved for use in humans and can be life threatening, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl. It can also lead to skin wounds that become easily infected, which can cause the skin to die and rot.
Fentanyl and xylazine are being mixed into many drugs sold on the street or online, including: cocaine, crack, meth, Xanax, MDMA, heroin, oxycodone pills, Percocet pills, and many other drugs. If you use illicit drugs, fentanyl or xylazine could be hidden in ANY DRUG you take without you knowing. No source is safe.
The Safe Syringe Program distributes free testing strips that can be used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl and xylazine. If you choose to use drugs:
- Test your drugs before using with fentanyl and xylazine testing strips.
- Start low and go slow. Use a small amount first to see how you feel.
- Watch and wait before using more.
- Carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
- Always use with others so they can help you if you overdose.
- If you develop skin wounds, seek immediate medical attention.
Naloxone Vending Machines
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. Narcan is a brand of naloxone that is administered as a nasal spray. The Durham County Department of Public Health utilizes a harm reduction approach to distribute naloxone throughout the County.
There are currently two vending machines that dispense free naloxone kits: one in the lobby of the Durham County Human Services Building (can be accessed during regular business hours) and one in the lobby of the Durham County Detention Facility at 219 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701 (can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Any member of the public can use these machines to obtain naloxone free of cost. For more information on the naloxone vending machines, contact Dennis Hamlet at 919 560-7766.