14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. TuOrF1165)

Birkhead GS, Klein SJ, Candelas AR, Plavin HA, Narcisse-Pean M
NYS Dept of Health AIDS Institute, Albany NY, United States

ISSUES: As of June 2000, 52% of 140,000 reported NYS AIDS cases were related to injection drug use. Ensuring access to sterile injection equipment and safe disposal of used syringes requires multiple strategies.

DESCRIPTION: ESAP is a time-limited pilot program of non-prescription syringe sales by registered providers. Safe disposal is also a goal. Implementing ESAP January 1, 2001 required regulations; new partnerships; information systems; materials; outreach and training; provider recruitment; new disposal options; and, a statewide evaluation. At the end of the first year almost 2,500 pharmacies were enrolled. Information on ESAP providers and over 900 disposal sites is available. Local partnerships were forged in urban, suburban and rural areas. Evaluation elements, questions, resources and strategies were developed.

ISSUES: New partnerships can advance access and disposal. Engaging diverse constituencies requires tailored messages and materials. Multiple approaches and a public-private research effort can answer complex evaluation questions.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Full implementation is ongoing, with outreach to diabetes educators, pharmacists, health care facilities harm reduction/syringe exchange programs and physicians. New partnership models offer great potential for advancing access and safe disposal of syringes. Disposal initiatives involve a multidisciplinary approach. Attention to policy issues, resource needs and new models for syringe disposal and access in other countries can advance public health practice to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission by shared injection equipment.

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TuOrF1165

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