This scope of work is for syringe services harm reduction programming for people who use drugs (PWUD) and injection drug users (IDU). The State of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) seeks a provider to carry out the services detailed below. This scope of work is for syringe services harm reduction programming for people who use drugs (PWUD) and injection drug users (IDU). The State of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) seeks a provider to carry out the services detailed below. DSAMH is responsible for adhering to the responsibilities assigned in the role of the single state agency for the State of Delaware. DSAMH is responsible for the development and implementation of a state plan for prevention and treatment, coordination of state and federal funding, and development of standards for the certification and approval of prevention and treatment programs. DSAMH provides oversight of comprehensive prevention and treatment services in the State, with emphasis on services for adults with addictive disorders and mental health conditions. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a public health issue. At the end of 2021, there were 3,786 people living with HIV/AIDS infection in Delaware. In 2006, the state of Delaware approved implementation of a five-year needle exchange pilot program, based on the premises that: 1. No evidence had ever been found to show that needle exchange programs promoted drug use; 2. Numerous federal government studies had demonstrated that the rate of new HIV cases caused by injection drug use could be cut by 35% using needle exchange programs; 3. Needle exchange programs had become part of a larger AIDS prevention strategy by providing HIV testing, health counseling, information on the dangers of contracting AIDS by engaging in high risk behaviors, and the importance of protecting oneself from HIV infection; 4. Needle exchange programs had proven not to increase the number of needles in the community and could potentially reduce the number of discarded needles on the streets; 5. Needle exchange programs had been endorsed by numerous medical and other prominent organizations. The goal of the pilot program was to use a multi-faceted approach to reduce the spread of HIV and other infections in Delaware by linking Injection Drug Users (IDUs) to treatment and counseling services, educating program participants on the dangers of contracting HIV and other blood borne infections through needle use, providing access to sterile needles on a one-to-one basis and ridding the streets of potentially contaminated needles.
