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We believe that drug users and other vulnerable people matter. They're sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, and grandparents. Each one is "somebody's someone" – and should be treated as such.

Dave Purchase
Project

Leaders in harm reduction.
Pioneers in prevention.

Our Story

With the first legal needle exchange in the country and the only at-cost harm-reduction supply co-op, the Dave Purchase Project helps lead and supply the harm-reduction movement. Formerly known as Point Defiance AIDS Projects, we started with a simple idea — drug users matter and are key to stopping the spread of AIDS. Our founder, Dave Purchase, was right. Needle exchanges have drastically reduced the spread of HIV. And now, with your help, we’re taking on everything from the opioid epidemic to the resurgence of hepatitis.

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How it Works
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Local Outreach

Our local needle exchange serves Pierce County with clean syringes, testing, treatment and healthcare referrals, and much more.

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National Network

Our NASEN network supports 378 syringe exchanges across North America with harm-reduction supplies, consulting, and more.

Harm-Reduction Initiatives

Harm Reduction by the Numbers

Needle Exchanges
Reduce Disease

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Cities with needle exchanges have 18-24% less HIV in drug-using community.1

Drug Treatment
Saves Money

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Every $1 spent on treating addiction saves roughly $12 spent on incarceration and healthcare.2

Needle Exchanges
Make Us Safer

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Needle exchanges have roughly 8 times less syringe litter in locations where they operate.3

Our Local Impact (2021)

10,336
Encounters
1,763
New Enrollments
2,828
Unduplicated Participants
2,226,590
Syringes
3,525
Safer Smoking Supplies
6,802
Naloxone
14,280
Fentanyl test strips

1. Return on Investment in Needle Exchange Programs in Australia, 2002. Includes HIV data from 103 international cities.

2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/drug-addiction-treatment-worth-its-cost

3. Tookes HE, et al., 2012; Ksobiech K, 2004

Donate & Volunteer

How do we combat HIV, HCV, and the opioid epidemic? One life at a time. Your time and resources can help stem the tide of a public health crisis.

Support Us

Partners

Our local and national partners in harm reduction make our public health work possible and successful. Join us.

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