Hi Katherine, and thanks for your question.
First, I want to refer you to http://www.unodc.org/documents/hiv-aids/NSP-GUIDE-WHO-UNODC.pdf. That is a complete guide to starting a needle exchange program - almost more than you might want to know, but much practical information. In addition, ir is a very good idea to talk with your local health department about how best to proceed within your own community, and to identify others interested in needle exchanges or AIDS prevention. If you have a local AIDS Foundation or similar organization, please collaborate with them.
I should say that some communities aren't thrilled about needle exchanges and may offer resistance. In that case, you might want to google "Point Defiance Needle Exchange" in Tacoma, WA for a history of the first needle exchange, started by a private individual and subsequently made acceptable by a forward looking Chief of Police. (Tacoma is my home town. Please excuse the gratuitous bragging.)
Within our Learn A Skill section, CTB offers general information about how to assess community needs and get the issue on the public agenda, promote interest and participation in the initiative, develop a strategic plan and organizational structure, and evaluating the initiative. As you plan, remember to think about how to maintain the initiative over the long term. Too many people overlook that last step until close to the time when funding runs out. The chapters on Generating, Managing, and Sustaining Financial Resources are relevant to that very important consideration.
You are taking on a very important initiative and we applaud you for that! I hope these suggestions are helpful.
