First Step Program - Needle & Syringe Program
Overview
The First Step Program is a combined initiative of the Commonwealth and State governments.
The primary goals of the program are:
- Reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and Hep C Infection amongst injecting drug users. Through this reducing the overall risk of infection throughout the wider community.
- Encourage people currently injecting drugs to seek treatment to overcome their addiction issues.
- Through consultation with the wider community develop strategies that further promote greater HIV/AIDS and Hep C awareness and lower the incidence of (injecting) drug use.
Services provided
Clean needles and syringes
Provided on the understanding, that once used they will be returned for safe disposal.
Condoms
Provided on request.
Information
The First Step Program has available to everyone a wide range of pamphlets, journals and booklets on HIV, Hep C, general health, welfare and legal issues.
Education
Provided to clients regarding safe sex and drug use behaviour practices. First Step also provides formal seminars on request to the general public, professional and community groups.
How to access
To make an appointment simply call the Primary Office on 02 4275 1529.
Primary Offices:
Port Kembla Hospital
Fairfax Road
Warrawong
The Orana Centre
2 Rawson Street
Wollongong
Phone: 02 4254 2700
Vending machine access (24 hours a day, seven days):
- Wollongong Hospital (a pack of five syringes costs $3.00)
- Shellharbour Hospital (a pack of five syringes costs $3.00)
- Shoalhaven Hospital (access is free)
- Milton Hospital (access is free)
- AMS Nowra (8:30am to 5:00pm, a pack of five syringes costs $3.00)
Resources
Contact Information
2 Rawson Street
Wollongong
Port Kembla Hospital
Fairfax Road
Warrawong
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm