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Can you buy needles in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, anyone can walk into a pharmacy and buy a package of syringes from behind the counter without a prescription, theoretically giving intravenous drug users regular access to clean syringes.
Are needle exchange programs legal in Arizona?
In what some consider a controversial move, the state of Arizona has legalized syringe or needle exchange programs, which means those addicted to drugs now have a place to go and get clean needles for free. PHOENIX — It is a new law that is expected to save lives.
Do you need a prescription for syringes in AZ?
The surge in HCV and the vulnerability to outbreaks of HCV and HIV will continue in Arizona until solutions are identified that capitalize on our existing laws for the benefit of health: it is legal to sell and purchase syringes in a pharmacy without a prescription in Arizona.
Where is shot in the dark?
Shot in the Dark (SITD) is Phoenix’s largest syringe access program. We provide access to a variety of harm reduction resources to people who use drugs in Maricopa County, including: clean syringes, syringe disposal, Naloxone, educational resources, treatment referrals and much more.
Can you buy injection needles over the counter?
M.G.L. c. 94C, § 27 authorizes pharmacies to sell hypodermic syringes and needles to any person, of any age, without a prescription, and without identification.
Are harm reduction programs cost effective?
Compelling evidence from across the world shows that harm reduction interventions are cost-effective and can be cost-saving in the long-term.
Where can I find a needle exchange?
The North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) provides a directory of needle exchange programs where users can enter a zip code, city, or state to find their nearest site. 8 You can also visit your state’s or county’s public health or health department website for further information.
How many syringe exchange programs are there in the US?
Some states have many programs (Kentucky has 23), while some have very few (Hawaii has 1). 7 The North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) provides a directory of needle exchange programs where users can enter a zip code, city, or state to find their nearest site. 8
What are the benefits of needle exchange programs?
Many intravenous drug users are at high risk of contracting numerous bloodborne infections, including HIV and hepatitis viruses. 1 Needle exchange programs can help prevent the spread of these diseases by providing clean needles and disposing of used ones. Users can also get other services at these programs, such as medical care and screenings.
Can federal funding be used for needle exchange programs?
However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 permits local communities to use federal funding for other aspects of needle exchange programs.3 They must request permission for such funding, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will review each state or local community’s level of need. 1