The ADIO Trust is an independent charity operating a public health service. We are funded by the Ministry of Health to provide needle exchange services. Our primary purpose is to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as HIV/AIDS, Hep B and Hep C, amongst people who inject drugs. We also work with other skin piercers, such as tattooists & steroid users. Needle Exchange has been an effective strategy in preventing the spread of blood borne viruses for over thirty years.

CONFIDENTIALITY
ADIO regards confidentiality as the cornerstone of our service. Injecting drug use is an illicit activity and therefore our effective operation depends upon a high standard of confidentiality. This standard applies across all our services, whether it be with drug users, health professionals, or the wider community.

PRIVACY POLICY
Our Privacy Policy sets out ADIO Trust’s approach to protecting the privacy of its clients. It includes the purpose and operation of the security camera at 10 East Street Newton and can be viewed here: Privacy Policy

NEEDLE EXCHANGE
ADIO is authorised by the Ministry of Health to distribute clean injecting equipment and to collect and safely dispose of used equipment. The safe disposal of injecting equipment is critical in protecting the wider community from the spread of blood borne viruses through needle stick injury from discarded needles and syringes.

EDUCATION
We also provide a range of resources and information related to reducing the harm associated with drug use and preventing the spread of blood borne viruses. Information on the safe use of equipment and where to access this equipment in other parts of NZ is also available. Resources and information on other health services available to our clients are also provided, along with information on treatment options. We also offer one on one advice for our service users, dealing with a range of personal issues, technique / injection and health related problems, along with other educational or practical issues. This close contact with our client base also enables us to identify and liaise effectively with organisations that they may use on a regular, or occasional basis.

WIDER COMMUNITY
We also work in the wider community. This can range from giving talks on our service to other organisations or community groups, collecting used equipment, offering advice to friends and family of drug users, or providing information on reducing the spread of blood borne viruses. ADIO works with parks and council contractors to reduce used injecting equipment from being discarded or found in public places.

NATIONAL BODY
ADIO is part of the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme and provides four dedicated needle exchanges in the Auckland and Northland regions. We provide an Outlet Directory which lists all needle exchanges and participating pharmacies throughout New Zealand. . The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme is coordinated by NEST (the Needle Exchange Services Trust) who support the effective operation of needle exchanges and pharmacy outlets and the collection and destruction of sharps. Further information on NEST, the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme, and injecting drug related information, go to www.nznep.org.nz

INJECTING EQUIPMENT
This equipment is provided to reduce the spread of blood borne viruses, and in turn reduce the harm associated with injecting.

141 PROGRAMME

We provide free 3ml syringes and needles to clients under this programme, in exchange for used equipment being returned to the needle exchange.

RETAIL SALES
We provide a range of equipment for exchange or purchase, including:

STANDARD ONE-USE SYRINGES – in a range of sizes and gauges.
NEEDLES – a wide range of gauges and types.
FILTERS – to remove objects and bacteria from drug solutions.
STERILE WATER – to avoid bacteria in drug solutions.
ALCOHOL SWABS – for cleaning of injection sites, spoons and surfaces.
CONDOMS AND LUBE – for safer sex practices.
CANISTERS – for the safe storage and return of used equipment.

DISPOSAL OF USED EQUIPMENT
We also provide safe destruction of used equipment for our clients. Other organisations or individuals who may come into contact with used injecting equipment need to get in touch with NEST who will advise regarding collection and destruction services for them. Contact NEST on 03 366 9402 or email info@nznep.org.nz

IF YOU DISCOVER USED INJECTING EQUIPMENT IN A PUBLIC PLACE, PLEASE PHONE THE AUCKLAND COUNCIL ON 09 301 0101 WHO WILL ARRANGE FOR SAFE REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL.