Thank you for your interest in volunteering your time with Syringe Access Services (SAS)!
Program Info:
Syringe Access Services (SAS) has provided street-based syringe access services to injection drug users (IDUs) since 1993 and has grown to become one of the nation's largest programs of its kind, providing more than 2.3 million clean syringes per year. SAS is rooted in a harm-reduction philosophy, and we firmly believe in helping people sustain a healthy lifestyle regardless of their substance use choices.
Every week the program operates 6 mobile needle exchange sites throughout the city of San Francisco and our 6th Street Center providing opportunities for needle exchanges where injection drug users dispose of their used equipment (dirty syringes), pick up clean equipment and have access to other health services.
We then dispose of the used syringes in accordance with established biohazardous waste standards. Not only does SAS provide safer injection supplies, but we also offer such services as HIV and Hepatitis C testing, Hepatitis C linkage and navigation to the new cure for Hepatitis C, drug treatment referrals, health education, substance use and health support groups, and medical care.
Our program is very much driven by our more than 80 volunteers, and we rely heavily on people like you to help provide services at our syringe access sites.
Volunteer Role:
- Self sign up for shifts that work with your schedule. Shifts are typically 2 - 3 hour in length.
- Work with other volunteers and SFAF staff to set up the mobile needle exchange sites.
- Pass out safer drug use supplies, basis first aid and safe sex supplies and more to people who visit.
- Shifts are also available at our 6th St. Center.
Expectations:
Before applying, please check the following volunteer expectations. If you're unable to meet these expectations, consider that this might not be the right time for you to apply.
We require all volunteers to:
- Commit to at least 6 months of volunteering with the program
- Work at least two needle exchange site shifts a month (each shift is 2-3 hours in length)
- Work outdoors rain or shine.
- Respond to all emails and messages when necessary
- Come to sites prepared and dress appropriately
- Recognize the importance of reliable attendance to the quality of the service provided by SAS
- Maintain the confidentiality of exchangers and the SAS program
- Participate in trainings
- Publicly maintain the dignity and integrity of all the aspects of the program
Application Process:
- Respond & Submit Form: If you're interested in this opportunity, please respond to this posting and you'll be placed on a list of interested volunteers.
- Orientation: We hold orientations quarterly or on an as needed basis. When we hold our next orientation, we'll reach out to those who've applied and invite them to attend the 2-hour session.
- Shadow Shift & Assessment: At the end of the orientation, you'll sign up for a shadow volunteer shift. At the shadow shift we'll assess your fit for the position, and it will give you a hands-on opportunity to experience the volunteer position. Note: Attending the orientation and a shadow shift will not guarantee you'll be selected to volunteer with us. As we work with vulnerable populations, we select our volunteers carefully and select those who would best serve our clients.
- Sign Up for Shifts! If you enjoy your experience and are a good fit, we will give you access to the schedule to regularly sign up for shifts.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. We hope to see you at our next orientation!
