Syringe Exchanges-Trump Order
Dorothy Waterhouse, program director for the syringe exchange program at the Clark County Health Department, opens a cabinet containing supplies used for the program Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Jeffersonville, Ind.
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Decades of research show syringe programs are extremely effective at preventing infectious disease among intravenous drug users and referring them to treatment. But a July executed order from President Donald Trump’ says federal substance abuse grants can't pay for supplies it says “only facilitate illegal drug use,” such as cookers and tourniquets. Needles already couldn’t be purchased with federal money. In some places, the order is galvanizing support for syringe exchanges. In others, like Indiana, it’s fueling opposition that threatens their existence. But health workers in one Indiana community are doing what they can to keep their program going.
