First out in Västra Götaland was Trollhättan.
Nowadays, syringe exchange clinics are also available in Gothenburg, Skövde and Borås.
The main purpose of a clinic like this where clean syringes and needles are distributed is to reduce the spread of viral diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV and also provide an entrance into addiction care with the goal of becoming drug-free.
Live a vulnerable life
- We catch a group of people who rarely seek care but who often have a great need for care because they live a vulnerable life, says Ewa Wennerholm to SVT Nyheter Väst.
Through their activities, they want to prevent injury and serious illness among drug addicts and reduce the negative effect of the drug.
- We know that there are many more who use drugs but who do not come here, therefore we want to reach more people.
No waiting room
Despite the fact that it has been three years, the reception is still in a temporary room at the infection clinic.
According to Ewa Wennerholm, the reason is, among other things, that the pandemic got in the way of expansion plans.
Among other things, there is no waiting room.
- It is not good because there can be long waiting times when many come at once.
So sometimes we carry out blankets and coffee to those who queue.
In the future, she wants there to be a counselor on site who can help with supportive conversations and with contacts with addiction care.