Prevention Point Philadelphia

Prevention Point Philadelphia
Formation 1991
Legal status Non-profit
Purpose To reduce the harm associated with substance use and sex industry work.
Headquarters Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website Prevention Point Philadelphia

Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) is the only syringe exchange program in Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. Prevention Point Pittsburgh is the only other syringe exchange program in the state. The two organizations are not affiliated.[1]

Prevention Point Philadelphia provides harm reduction counseling, syringe exchange, free medical care, support and education groups, and referrals to social services and drug treatment.[2] The organization distributes syringes six days a week. Locations include the main office in Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and five sites served by a mobile unit.[3]

About

Mission

To reduce the harm associated with substance use and sex industry work by promoting health, empowerment and safety while advocating for humane public policies and programs.[4]

History

Prevention Point Philadelphia was founded in 1991 by a group of ACT UP Philadelphia activists in response to the HIV & AIDS epidemic. That year, injected drug use was the most common risk category for people being diagnosed with HIV infection. At the time, it was illegal to distribute syringes/needles in Pennsylvania, and the activists risked jail time for their work.

Under increasing pressure to respond to the growing epidemic, Mayor Ed Rendell issued an executive order on July 27, 1992 authorizing the legal distribution of syringes, and establishment of a city-wide institution to manage the program. That program became Prevention Point Philadelphia.[5]

Services

References

  1. ↑ North American Syringe Exchange Network. Reviewed June 25, 2012.
  2. ↑ Greater Philadelphia AIDS Resource Guide 2012, published by Philadelphia FIGHT, page 80
  3. ↑ PPP Syringe Exchange Calendar. Reviewed: June 25, 2012.
  4. ↑ Prevention Point Philadelphia Homepage. Reviewed May 4, 2013.
  5. ↑ Executive Order No. 4-92. July 27, 1992.
  6. ↑ PPP Syringe Exchange Program. Reviewed: May 4, 2013.
  7. ↑ PPP Overdose Prevention Program. Reviewed: May 4, 2013.
  8. ↑ PPP STEP Program. Reviewed: May 4, 2013.
  9. ↑ PPP Computer Lab. Reviewd: May 4, 2013
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