Needle and Syringe Program Framework and Practice Guidelines

Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) provides a range of confidential health services that aim to reduce the harms associated with injecting drug use, including prevention of blood-borne viral infections (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) through the provision of sterile injecting equipment and sexual health resources. They also manage the safe disposal of used injecting equipment.

NSPs provide education and information about health care, reducing harm from drug use, and providing referrals to drug treatment, health, legal and social services.

This document presents the Victorian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Policy and Practice Guidelines. It replaces the previous NSP Operating Policy and Guidelines. It has been updated to reflect new developments and contemporary service models.

This document should be read in conjunction with the Penington Institute NSP Handbook, which provides detailed advice for NSP workers and coordinators.