Needle exchanges have been proven to help curb the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and decrease opioid overdoses among intravenous drug users, yet they face growing pushback nonetheless.

Since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, intravenous drug use has accounted for 36% of all cases in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite certain misconceptions, syringe-access centers promote harm reduction through the proper disposal of used needles, and do not increase crime in surrounding areas. Intravenous drug users are five times more likely to enter an addiction treatment program after visiting a needle exchange.