Author

Elissa Velez

Date of Award

3-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This research is a case study ofone of the United States largest and most prominent syringe exchange program, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Syringe Access Services (SAS). The review of literature explores the historical context of the program and examines the positive and negative aspects of needle exchange. This qualitative study includes information collected from interviews of key informants who directly work with injection drug users, SAS staff, SAS clients, and evaluates client satisfaction data collected by the program to observe the efficacy of the program and its direct and indirect ties to community health. This research is conducted by a San Francisco AIDS Foundation employee for the purpose of studing the level of impact this program is having on society. Data was collected to determine a policy recommendation be adopted to help lift the federal ban on syringe exchange programs and develop state and local guidelines on how to address the isse of wide spread disease through injection drug use.

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