Where can I exchange used needles?
Where can I exchange used needles?
Safe Needle Disposal If you can’t find a needle exchange program, please dispose of your used needles responsibly. Don’t put them in the trash. 3 Give them to your local pharmacy, doctor’s office, or hospital, which may provide you with a sharps container.
How can I get free syringes?
It is currently free for community members only. See the list of equipment and use the online order form. You can also order by calling (02) 8354 7300 or free call 1800 644 413.
Does New York have a needle exchange program?
In New York, there are 24 existing syringe exchange programs in operation, including Catholic Charities’ Project Safe Point, which provides services out of unmarked vans in the Capital Region’s urban centers. “The reach of these SEPs is limited by their staffing and geography,” the regulations state.
How much does a needle syringe cost?
With an average cost of $1 to $3 per syringe, a syringe service program can inexpensively prevent serious infectious diseases in those who are not infected, help identify and link those already infected to care, and prevent overdose and other related harms associated with the opioid epidemic by linking to preventive …
What happens at a needle exchange?
Needle exchange programs—which are also known as syringe services programs or needle-syringe programs—provide new and sterile syringes to drug users. Some programs also offer medical treatment for infectious diseases, substance use disorder treatment referrals, naloxone treatment, and enrollment in health care plans.
Who can use needle exchange?
Anyone who injects drugs can get free, new equipment (kit or works) from a needle and syringe service. Using new, sterile injecting equipment helps keep you safe from infections, wounds and abscesses.
How do you unclog a needle?
To unblock a needle, remove the plunger and fill the barrel with solvent using another syringe. Insert the plunger and push solvent through the needle. Heating will remove semivolatile substances. Remove the plunger before heating.
Do you need a prescription for insulin syringes in New York State?
Pharmacies registered in New York State’s Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) may now sell or furnish up to 10 syringes at a time to adults, 18 years or older, without a prescription.
Are syringes sold over the counter?
California law (AB1743) permits licensed pharmacies and physicians throughout the State to sell or furnish an unlimited number of syringes without a prescription to customers over the age of 18, and allows adults to purchase and possess syringes for personal use when acquired from an authorized source.
What is the most common needle size used for intravenous injections?
The length of a needle is listed after the gauge number. For example, 25G ½ refers to a 25 gauge, ½ inch-long needle. Longer needles (½ inch or longer) are commonly used for intramuscular injections, while shorter (shorter than ½ inch) needles are more often used for intravenous injections.
What is bad about needle exchange programs?
It’s also believed that NEP programs lead to increased crime rates and incidences of dirty syringes improperly disposed of in streets and parks. These incidences have a negative effect on communities, often decreasing property values, harming local businesses, and discouraging growth of the community.
What are the pros and cons of needle exchange programs?
Major Pros and Cons. Pros: Needle exchange programs reduce the risk of sharing contaminated needles by offering clean needles and disposing of used needles. Most programs offer free HIV testing and counseling services for individuals who have participated in harmful activities.
How effective are needle exchange programs?
Needle Exchange Programs Promote Public Safety: A study by the National Institutes of Health found that NEPs “show a reduction in risk behaviors as high as 80 percent in injecting drug users…” 15 NEP participants have been found five times more likely to enter drug treatment than those who had never used an exchange.
Where is the needle exchange located?
The Portland Needle Exchange Program ( NEP ) is located at 103 India Street in Portland and can be reached via phone at (207) 756-8024. All NEP participants receive education on risk reduction, overdose prevention education, naloxone , case management services, testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, STDs and referrals to drug treatment programs upon request.
What is a syringe exchange program?
A syringe exchange is a program that provides sterile needles and syringes as well as safe disposal of needles and syringes. Syringe exchange programs commonly provide additional services such as referrals for treatment, testing for blood-borne diseases, training for overdose prevention, and other services.