Founded in 1988, the Tacoma Needle Exchange began with our visionary founder, Dave Purchase, who sought to address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic by providing injection related supplies to drug users. Dave understood that access to sterile syringes and injection equipment significantly reduced the risk of contracting blood-borne viruses associated with drug use. In addition to offering these crucial services, Dave discovered that providing injection supplies helped build trust with his participants. This trust allowed him to engage in meaningful and sincere conversations with participants about their drug use, sex practices, and other critical issues.
Today, our dedicated team at The Tacoma Needle Exchange continues to follow Dave's model, working collaboratively with the participants we serve. We strive to include them in our team and conversations, ensuring our mission is inclusive and supportive.
Our outreach team works diligently to maintain strong relationships with service providers throughout the South Puget Sound region. When we cannot meet a participant's immediate needs, we rely on our community allies to provide the necessary support our participants are seeking.
Our team is committed to:
