California: Supervisors Narrowly Approve Clean-Needle Program

On Tuesday, the Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to approve a pilot non-prescription needle project aimed at reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

The program allows people ages 18 and older to purchase up to 10 hypodermic needles at a pharmacy without a prescription. Local pharmacies, including Walgreens, Longs Drugs and Ralph's supermarkets, have expressed interest is participating in the program, said Solano County health officials. The board's decision works within the framework of California legislation allowing communities to develop new innovations in public health strategies. The pilot project can operate locally until 2010.

Proponents of the program argue that IV drug users will be less inclined to share or reuse needles if they are available in a sanitary way from local drug stores. But critics like Sup. Mike Reagan questioned whether it is a "feel good" way of addressing the serious problem of drug addiction. Information about drug treatment might be included for those buying syringes at pharmacies, but no treatment is required under the program, noted Reagan.

Sup. Barbara Kondylis said the program is worthwhile if it prevented just one case of HIV in terms of cost. She argued that by allowing IV drug users to interface with medical professionals who can help them, it could encourage users to seek treatment.

Back to other news for September 9, 2005