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Results sorted by updated date (newest first)
Posted 3/10/2021 (updated 4/5/2024)
There are safe ways to dispose of syringes you find on the ground. Sharing injection drug equipment can transmit infections, but there is little risk to someone who is accidentally poked or scratched by a discarded syringe.
Below you'll find information on how to pick them up, where to drop them off, and ways to get involved in cleaning up your neighborhood.
Posted 7/7/2021 (updated 4/2/2024)
Background: Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other bloodborne pathogens through the multi-person use of syringes. Although research has shown that increased access to syringes through syringe exchange programs (SEPs) is an effective strategy to reduce risky injection practices many areas of the United States still do not have SEPs. In the absence of SEPs, legislation allowing pharmacies over-the-counter sales of syringes has also been shown to reduce syringe sharing. The success of pharmacy sales however is limited by other legal stipulations, such as drug paraphernalia laws, which in turn may contribute to fear among IDUs about being caught purchasing and carrying syringes.
Posted 9/18/2020 (updated 3/29/2024)
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) hosted the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccination Efforts in People Who Inject Drugs webinar last week, September 10, 2020. The session featured Centers for Disease Control and Prevention subject matter experts who discussed the epidemiology of hepatitis A and hepatitis B in people who use and inject drugs and the rationale for the vaccination recommendations. The session also featured several jurisdictions and partner organizations who shared their lessons learned and best practices for reaching and implementing vaccination services in this community.