This snapshot, taken on
07/04/2010
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.
Department of Health Skip to content

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

Reducing drug deaths & blood-borne viruses

  • Last modified date:
    14 July 2008
Picture of syringes
No image map

The Department of Health and the National Treatment Agency launched a Harm Reduction Action Plan in May 2007 to help reduce further the number of people dying from drug overdoses or contracting blood-borne viruses from contaminated needles.

Around £2 million is to be spent by the Department of Health on a number of initiatives including:

  • Improving data on drug-related deaths and blood-borne viruses
  • Guidance for commissioners including the sharing of good practice on the provision of needle exchange services
  • Development of training on harm reduction for those working with drug users
  • Specific funding for hepatitis B vaccinations within prisons
  • A health promotion campaign targeting the most at risk groups, such as homeless drug users and heroin and crack injectors 

Access keys