Supporting Harm Reduction Programs

Dave Purchase Memorial Survey

History and Background

The Dave Purchase Memorial (DPM) Survey is an annual national survey of syringe services programs (SSPs) in the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) SSP directory. Since 1994, results from the Dave Purchase Survey have been one of the primary sources of up-to-date information on SSP operations in the United States. This data is essential for policy work related to syringe exchange and efforts to support syringe services programs nationwide.

Past Findings from DPM Surveys

Previous DPM surveys have shown that the number of SSPs has increased in recent years, as has the number of syringes exchanged through these programs. The findings have emphasized the importance of public funding, program size, and collaboration with healthcare and social service providers in supporting SSPs. Challenges have been identified in the areas of suburban and rural SSPs, as well as expansion and implementation in response to the opioid epidemic.

2022 National SSP Evaluation Survey

In collaboration with NASEN, the Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC), and Dr. Don Des Jarlais, the UW team conducted the 2022 National SSP Evaluation Survey, also known as the Dave Purchase Memorial Survey. The survey evaluated current operation and service characteristics of SSPs in 2021 as well as the experienced challenges of SSPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected during this iteration will be used to facilitate further support the operations of SSPs in the US. We are able to provide policymakers, resource allocators, and SSPs access to findings from this survey data.

Manuscripts and Reports

2022 National Harm Reduction Conference

Initial findings were presented at the 2022 National Harm Reduction Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico put on by the National Harm Reduction Coalition.

Key Findings:

  • Most SSPs are implementing best practices for maximizing syringe coverage (e.g., needs-based, secondary exchange)
  • The minority of SSPs felt supported by law enforcement; the majority felt supported by health officials
  • Demand increased during COVID-19, while programs were also facing significant challenges

Additional reports, presentations, and papers will be posted here once available.