Does the UK have needle exchange?

Needle Exchange was first introduced in England in 1985 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They also offer referral to prescribing and other health services including Hepatitis C and HIV treatment together with wound care advice and treatment. Services are available where you see the sign.

How does needle exchange work UK?

Our needle and syringe exchange scheme provides injecting drug users access to sterile needles, syringes and other equipment and the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. The service promotes health protection for intravenous drug users and to reduce the risk of passing on infections to others.

Are syringes free?

Syringe Access Bill in California Signed into Law by Governor Newsom. Because the syringes will be sold to consumers through participating pharmacies, it comes at no cost to the state, while saving the state from significant healthcare costs of having to treat these potentially deadly diseases.

How do needle exchanges work?

Needle exchange programs operate on the principle of harm reduction. They provide clean needles to people who use injection drugs with the objective of curbing the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. It’s an approach that has been proven by research to be effective.

Can you get syringes 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.

Are needle exchange programs a good idea?

Results: After reviewing the scientific literature the authors conclude that needle and syringe exchange programs are an effective way of reducing risky behaviors related to injecting drug use, hence they are effective in reducing the spread of HIV among injecting drug users and the population.