NEED's central function is to make sure that a steady supply of clean syringes is made available to any and all in need, with the goal being to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C commonly associated with sharing used syringes. That said, we are consistently looking to expand the scope of our work by offering practical and effective services to people who have few options when seeking health care. Below you can learn more about the services we provide and some of the projects that we work on.

Needle Exchange

We run three needle exchange/distribution sites per week: Sunday 6-8pm, Tuesday 4-6pm, and Thursday 6-8pm.

Harm Reduction Supplies

At NEED's three sites you'll find an ample supply of the following:

• Syringes:
• 27g 5/8" 1cc ("longs")
• 27g 1/2" 1cc
• 28g 1/2" 1cc ("microfines" or "shorts")
• 28g 1/2" 1/2cc ("Lo-Dose")
• 29g 1/2" 1cc
• 30g 1/2" 1cc
• 31g 3/8" 1cc ("bee stingers")
• Muscling rigs:
• 18g
• 22g
• 25g
• 27g 1/4"
• Safe injection supplies:
• Cotton
• Cookers
• Ties (tourniquets) -- latex and non-latex
• Biohazard containers
• Alcohol pads
• Sterile water and saline
• Other supplies:
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, "breakdown")
• Condoms
• Lube
• Hygiene kits

If there's a supply you don't see, just ask; we might have it!

Note: This a list of supplies NEED typically offers at its sites. Although we try our best to keep everything in stock, occasionally, we run out of supplies.

Overdose Prevention

Preventing an overdose is essential knowledge for anyone using injection drugs. We aim to educate users and staff alike on the basics of overdose prevention, including the use of naloxone to reverse the effect of an opiate overdose.

Following the passage of AB 635 (Civil Code § 1714.22) in January 2014, NEED is proud to announce that it distributes Naloxone for overdose prevention at all of its sites.

Information & Referrals

At each site we have available information on a variety of providers offering services pertinent to exchange users and community members, including HIV/AIDS testing and prevention; STD testing and education; and addiction programs.

Help with Medi-Cal Enrollment at Homeless Action Center

Are you eligible for Medi-Cal health benefits, but not yet enrolled? Visit the Homeless Action Center (HAC) for assistance with enrolling in Medi-Cal online. HAC in Berkeley is located next store to NEED's Tuesday exchange.

Click here for the Homeless Action Center's Berkeley location and its hours.

(Note that the Homeless Action Center does NOT provide syringes.)