Maryland Department of Health
The Overdose Response Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​

​​​​​​​​​​Syringe Services Program (SSP)

What is a SSP?

The Maryland Department of Health authorizes organizations as Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) to provide a wide range of services to help people who use drugs, including infectious disease prevention and overdose prevention. This may be your local health department or a community-based organization. ​​The MDH BHA Office of Harm Reduction ​administers the Maryland Syringe Services Program, reviewing new applications, managing program reporting, issuing program guidance, and providing technical assistance and support to approved programs.​

SSPs are proven to save lives, help those with substance use disorders get needed support, prevent overdose deaths, and reduce the impact of drug use on the community. SSPs protect the public and first responders by providing safe disposal of used needles and syringes. SSPs also prevent outbreaks of other diseases by providing testing, counseling, and sterile injection supplies.​ Learn more from the C​DC.​​

Jump to:

Find a SSP Ne​​​ar You​

There are 28 authorized SSPs in 20 counties in Maryland. ​ Click here for a PDF list of Maryland SSPs, their hours, and contact information. The interactive map below also lists Maryland SSPs.

How to Use th​​e M​​​​ap​​​​

Click on the drawer ◨​ in the top-le​ft of the map to show the detail sidebar. Click on the frame ⛶ in the top-right of the map to view the map full-screen. Click on a place to view details in the sidebar, then scroll dow​n in the details to confirm what each place offers.​

Move the map:​​ click and drag with your mouse or drag with one finger. Zoom: scroll with your mouse or use two fingers. Show info: click or tap on a place. Show a layer on the map: check the box next to the layer name in the sidebar. Show a list of places in the sidebar: click the down arrow next to the layer name.

Search the map: click ⛶ to view the map full-screen. Click on the magnifying glass next to the map's name. Type in an address or​ county and hit "enter" or "go" to search for places nearby. Search for services or supplies like naloxone, xylazine test strips, HCV Testing, or ​HIV PrEP.​​​

Not in Maryland?​

Search the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) or reach out to your Local Health Department to inquire about services near you.

What does a SSP do?

All Maryland SSPs provide the following (either on-site or referral):

  • Distribution and collection of hypodermic needles/syringes
  • Substance related use disorder counseling
  • Treatment and recovery services
  • Case management​​
  • HIV, HCV, and STD testing​​​
  • PrEP/PEP
  • Reproductive health education and services
  • Wound care
  • Overdose prevention education and naloxone
  • Fentanyl testing strips and xylazine testing strips
  • On-site housing and access to emergency shelter needs (select sites only)​
Learn more about what SSPs do from the C​DC.

Legislation and Regulations

Enacted in 2016 by SB0097/HB0468, the Maryland Syringe Services Program is codified in MD Health-General §24–901 - 909 and regulated under COMAR 10.52.01.01-10.52.01.09. View PDF copies of the statute and regulations.

Standing Advisory Committee​​ Public Meetings​​

The Maryland D​epartment of Health Office of Harm Reduction​ holds quarterly meetings with the Harm Reduction Standing Advisory Committee on Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach. These meetings are open to the public.​​

The committee is accepting applications for vacant seats. To apply, click here and search the vacancies for "SSP".​​​​​​​​

​

How to Become a Syringe Services Program

Programs seeking ​approval to operate a​​ SSP must apply using the web form linked below. Please read the application guidance document thoroughly before submitting an application.

Syringe Services Program Application Gu​idance​​

Syringe Services Program Applica​tion​

For more information about the program, application and requirements, please email [email protected]​.​

​Additional Resources

Last updated July 18, 2025. Page contact: [email protected]​