Research demonstrates that expanding access
to sterile syringesthrough pharmacy sale, needle exchange programs
or physician prescriptionreduces the risk of blood-borne infections,
most notably HIV and hepatitis C.
California
law now allows pharmacists to sell syringes without a prescription
in cities and counties that authorize a Disease Prevention Demonstration
Project (DPDP).
UPDATED This updated interactive
map allows you to click and view the cities and/or counties that have either approved or rejected the project.
Beginning September,
2008,
California state law prohibits
individuals from disposing of syringes, including syringes in sharps
containers, in household waste.
Updated
information
for pharmacists includes a FAQ fact sheet, contact information
for local programs, and an advocacy packet for pharmacists interested
in beginning the authorization process within their own communities.
