Increasing sterile syringe access through syringe exchange programs and non-prescription pharmacy sales is essential to reducing syringe sharing among injection drug users and decreasing rates of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C transmission. Syringe exchange programs have also been shown to increase the safe disposal of used syringes, protecting police officers and the public from accidental exposure to blood-borne diseases. Despite the benefits of these life-saving programs, legal and bureaucratic barriers still prevent injection drug users from accessing clean syringes. The Drug Policy Alliance has led efforts to increase syringe access in several states and played a key role in repealing the federal syringe funding ban. We continue to push for reforms that would greatly reduce rates of disease transmission, overdose and other risks associated with injection drug use.
Public Health and HIV Prevention Advocates Cheer Enactment of Life-Saving Legislation
Trenton—Today Governor Chris Christie signed life-saving legislation (S958/A1088) to allow for the sale of limited numbers of syringes in pharmacies without a prescription. Public health advocates say the legislation will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. It will also benefit diabetics and others who must use injectable medications by making it easier for them to access syringes. New Jersey was one of only two states (the other is Delaware) that completely ban over-the-counter sales of syringes.
Ban on Allowing States to Use HIV Prevention Money on Life-Saving Syringe Programs was Overturned in 2009 After 20-Year Struggle
Reinstatement of Ban will Lead to Thousands of New HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C Cases Annually
As part of the 2012 spending package being voted on today, Congress is restoring a ban on using federal funding for syringe exchange programs that reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases. The ban, enacted in the 1980s and repealed in 2009, was largely responsible for hundreds of thousands of Americans contracting HIV/AIDS directly or indirectly from the sharing of used syringes. Advocates warn that restoring the ban will result in thousands of Americans contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C or other infectious diseases next year alone.
Ban on Allowing States to Use HIV Prevention Money on Life-Saving Syringe Programs was Overturned in 2009 After 20-Year Struggle
Reinstatement of Ban will Lead to Thousands of New HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C Cases Annually
Legislation Passes 54-24 with Bi-Partisan Support, Heads to Governor Christie’s Desk
Public Health and HIV Prevention Advocates Cheer Passage of Life-Saving Legislation that Would Allow Pharmacies to Sell Syringes
Trenton—Today, the New Jersey State Assembly passed life-saving legislation to allow for the sale of limited numbers of syringes in pharmacies without a prescription. The legislation received bi-partisan support, passing by a vote of 54-24. New Jersey is one of only two states (the other state is Delaware) that completely ban over-the-counter sales of syringes.
Legislation Passes 8-1-2 with Bi-Partisan Support
Public Health and HIV Prevention Advocates Cheer Passage of Life-Saving Legislation
Trenton—Today, the New Jersey Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee approved a life-saving bill to allow for the sale of limited numbers of syringes in pharmacies without a prescription. The legislation received bi-partisan support, passing by a vote of 8-1-2. New Jersey is one of only two states (the other is Delaware) that completely ban over-the-counter sales of syringes.
Committee Scheduled for Monday, November 21, 10 a.m.; Bill Would Allow Over-the-Counter Sale of Limited Numbers of Syringes in Pharmacies
Public Health, and HIV Prevention Advocates Urge Passage of Life-Saving Legislation
Trenton—On Monday, November 21, the New Jersey Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee will consider life-saving legislation to allow for the sale of a limited numbers of syringes in pharmacies without a prescription. The hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room 16 on the 4th floor of the State House Annex. New Jersey is one of only two states (the other state is Delaware) that completely ban over-the-counter sale of syringes.
Michael Moore, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia, and Melanie Walker, Deputy CEO, Public Health Association of Australia
Report for Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Health
This report from the Public Health Association of Australia makes recommendations for a syringe access model at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, an Australian prison with a particular focus on rehabilitation.
Syringes Can Be Purchased at Pharmacies Without Prescription and Areas in Need Can Apply for Syringe Access Programs Through CA Dept. of Public Heath
Most Important HIV Prevention Policy Change in California in a Decade
California Governor Jerry Brown signed two life-saving bills last night that will help prevent new HIV and hepatitis C transmissions in California. The two bills expand access to sterile syringes, which is by far the most effective way to prevent HIV and hepatitis C among people who use drugs. These bills will save lives and save the California taxpayer money.
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