Collage of Workers at Dave Purchase Project

Our Mission

With the first legal needle exchange in the country and the only at-cost harm-reduction supply co-op, the Dave Purchase Project helps lead and supply the harm-reduction movement. Formerly known as Point Defiance AIDS Projects, we started with a simple idea — drug users matter and are key to stopping the spread of AIDS.

Our founder, Dave Purchase, was right. Needle exchanges have drastically reduced the spread of HIV. And now, with your help, we’re taking on everything from the opioid epidemic to the resurgence of hepatitis.

Dave Purchase sitting at a folding table

Harm reduction works

Icon: National Outreach

Local Outreach

Our local exchange proudly serves Pierce County, providing syringes, testing, safer consumption and safe sex supplies, drug checking services, peer care navigation, healthcare referrals, and more.  

Icon: National Network

National Network

Our NASEN network works to empower harm reduction programs across North America by providing essential supplies, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and more! 

Map of US with flowers marking syringe exchanges

Our Impact

As of 2024, our team has provided thousands of new supplies to the community. The difference these supplies make is measurable. 

Distribution

Nasal naloxone via vending machines
Syringes
Safer smoking supplies

Provisions

Hours of service*
Intramuscular naloxone
Fentanyl test strips

Engagement

New engagements
Participants
Hours of drug checking

*Open 24 hours a week

Media Room

Donate

Your generosity drives our mission forward. Every donation you make directly supports the life-saving work of the Dave Purchase Project, Tacoma Needle Exchange, and NASEN. Together, we can continue making a meaningful impact.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

Logo: ADIALogo: AIDSheathLogo: California Department of Public HealthLogo: CarelonLogo: Greater Tacoma Community FoundationLogo: Pierce County LibraryLogo: RTILogo: Tacoma-Pierce County Health DepartmentLogo: Tacoma Public LibraryLogo: Washington State Department of HealthLogo: Wellpoint
© 2024 Dave Purchase ProjectPrivacyTermsSite Design