Perceptions of syringe services programs and supervised use sites among a sample of registered voters in a U.S. state

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>BackgroundThe decision to initiate a syringe service program or expand to a supervised use site is often influenced by local public support or opposition. The purpose of this study was to better understand public attitudes to local syringe service programs to inform the possibility of expanding services.Methods.We surveyed a sample of registered voters (n = 690) in the eight counties in the state of Colorado, United States, with existing syringe service programs about their awareness of and attitudes towards syringe service programs and supervised use sites.Results.Over three-quarters of respondents reported they were familiar with syringe service programs but only quarter knew they were legal, despite all survey respondents living near an operating program. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents thought a syringe service program or a supervised use site makes a community better and a majority (57%) thought supervised use sites should be legal in their state. There were significant differences in attitudes towards the benefits and risks of syringe service programs by political party affiliation.ConclusionUnderstanding the level of community knowledge and support for syringe service programs, as well as the reasons for opposition, can be helpful in addressing community concerns when seeking to initiate or expand services.</jats:p>