FHCSD’s Syringe Services Program (SSP) is San Diego’s only syringe exchange program and offers comprehensive services to help people who inject drugs reduce their risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission. The mobile SSP unit provides individuals with harm reduction education, case management, referrals to drug treatment and detoxification and one-for-one syringe exchange. Thanks to SSP’s efforts, thousands of San Diegans are able to reduce their risk of HIV and hepatitis every year.
For more information, call or text (619) 380-0678, or schedule a telehealth appointment.
Available Services:
- Case management
- Harm reduction education
- One-for-one syringe exchange
- Opioid safety education
- Referrals to drug treatment & detoxification
Learn More About:
Locations
+To access services, visit a location near you.
*New clients are only enrolled during the first two hours of service. No ID is needed.
Downtown
Imperial Avenue & 16th Street
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
North Park
North Park Way & 31st Street
Fridays: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What is an Opioid Overdose?
+Opioids can cause bad reactions that make your breathing slow or even stop. This can happen if your body can’t handle the opioids that you take that day.
To avoid an accidental opioid overdose:
- Try not to mix your opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) or medicines that make you sleepy.
- Be extra careful if you miss or change doses, feel ill or start new medications.
In Case of Overdose
+1. Check responsiveness – Look for any of the following:
- No response even if you shake them or say their name
- Breathing slows or stops
- Lips and fingernails turn blue or gray
- Skin gets pale or clammy
2. Call 911 and give naloxone
If no reaction in 3 minutes, give second naloxone dose
3. Do rescue breathing and/or chest compressions
Follow 911 dispatcher instructions and stay with person until help arrives.
How to Give Naloxone
+There are 4 common naloxone products. Follow the instructions for the type you have.
Nasal spray
This nasal spray needs no assembly and can be sprayed up one nostril by pushing the plunger.
Nasal spray with assembly
This requires assembly, follow the instructions provided.
Auto-injector
The naloxone auto-injector needs no assembly and can be injected into the outer thigh, even through clothing. It contains a speaker that provides step-by-step instructions.
Injectable naloxone
This requires assembly, follow the instructions provided.
Common Opioids
+| Generic | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| Hydrocodone | Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Zohydro |
| Oxycodone | Percocet, OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percodan |
| Morphine | MSContin, Kadian, Embeda, Avinza |
| Codeine | Tylenol with Codeine, TyCo, Tylenol #3 |
| Fentanyl | Duragesic, Actiq |
| Hydromorphone | Dilaudid |
| Oxymorphone | Opana |
| Meperidine | Demerol |
| Methadone | Dolophine, Methadose |
| Buprenorphine | Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv, Bunavail, Butrans |
