The Challenges of Syringe Disposal
Today, the Somerville News published an article blaming a rise in incidences of used syringes being found on the street on the Pharmacy Access Law passed last year which made it legal for anyone to purchase syringes in pharmacies without a prescription. Before the passage of this bill, Massachusetts was one of only three states where the over-the-counter sale of syringes was illegal. When we crafted Massachusetts’ law, we recognized that syringe disposal was an issue in the Commonwealth, which is why we required a statewide disposal system to be part of the new law.
Unfortunately, conversations about whether drug users would use safer disposal options are premature. The harsh reality is that there are few disposal options for anyone who uses a needle outside of a medical facility. Although the Department of Public Health under Governor Romney was directed to compile a list of disposal options, create a program, and issue regulations no later than 90 days after the passage of the Act, DPH did nothing. Ironic given that the Romney administration’s objection to, and veto of the bill was supposedly based on the improper disposal of needles.
Fortunately, John Auerbach, the new commissioner of DPH under Governor Patrick understands the disposal problem and is committed to fixing it. Although syringe disposal is a genuine concern, it does not negate the Pharmacy Access Law’s ability to halt the spread of HIV among some of the Commonwealth’s most at-risk populations.
