Pharmacists' attitudes about pharmacy sale of needles/syringes and needle exchange programs in a city without needle/syringe prescription laws

Article Abstract:

Despite the fact that non-prescription sales of needles and syringes (NS) are legal, many pharmacists make it difficult for injection drug users to purchase sterile NS. Some 87% of the pharmacists in Baltimore, Maryland were aware of the needle exchange program: 78.3% supported it, and 67.4% supported the sale of nonprescription NS in pharmacies, but 54% asked for photo identification, and 56.5% required either a prescription or a diabetic identification (DID).

Author: Vlahov, David, Gleghorn, Alice A., Gee, Gilbert
Surveys, Public opinion, Needle exchange programs, Baltimore, Maryland, Pharmacists

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Operation red box: a pilot project of needle and syringe drop boxes for injection drug users in East Baltimore

Article Abstract:

A pilot program establishing brightly colored drop boxes as a safe place for injection drugs users (IDU's) to discard used syringes shows promise as a community method of safe needle disposal. In East Baltimore, three surplus U.S. mail collection boxes were painted red and installed on streets. In 10 months, 2,971 needles were collected, 156 were tested for HIV and 10.9% were found to be positive. Community focus groups all supported expansion of the project.

Author: Vlahov, David, Beilenson, Peter, Smith, Laura, Riley, Elise, Jones, T. Stephen, Koenig, Matthew, Doherty, Meg
Safety and security measures, Refuse and refuse disposal, Waste disposal, Public health, Hypodermic needles, Syringes, Hazardous wastes

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Subjects list: Health aspects
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