Though largely unsupported by scientific evidence, the dangers of needle stick injury loom large in the popular imagination. As a result, the emotional response to needle stick injury can be intense even if, statistically, the risks are quite low. For this reason, if no other, it’s essential that harm reduction organizations be prepared for how they might deal with such an eventuality. For most, this means having a post-exposure prophylaxis protocol on hand. This is a protocol for what happens in the event of needle stick injury. Usually, it includes some kind of evaluation of the situation and criteria for deciding whether to take prophylactic medication for HIV. A typical course of these medications is 28 days and there are a variety of risks and benefits that should be considered by each individual before they decide whether or not to do PEP. It is therefore strongly recommended that these protocols be developed and discussed long before any such incident takes place.

This will mean that harm reduction organizations will need a relationship with a doctor or clinic that can provide these medications or a supporting prescription. Again, it’s best to make these connections sooner rather than when they’re needed. Harm reduction leaders report that most doctors who provide HIV care are more than willing to help in this respect as long as these discussions are held ahead of an event.