KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County announced a milestone in the recruitment of the 100th retail pharmacy in Seattle and King County in a program to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis and other medical problems through the availability of new, sterile syringes. Nearly a third of the pharmacies in King County are now voluntarily participating in the program, which began in 2001.
As part of this collaboration, participating pharmacies also provide information about syringe disposal and safer use, HIV and hepatitis testing, and the benefits of and ways to access drug treatment.
"These pharmacies are helping Public Health prevent new blood-borne infections, reduce the consequences of injection drug use and facilitate entry into drug and alcohol treatment," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Together, we are working to protect the health of all King County residents and communities."
"This is an excellent opportunity for community pharmacies to demonstrate their commitment to improving health care and public health," said Dean Webb, Chief of Pharmacy for Public Health.
Among the local participants is Walgreens Drug Stores. "We are pleased to play an important role in enhancing health care for our patients and the communities we serve," said Sepideh Soleimanpour, Walgreens district pharmacy supervisor.
Injection drug use currently accounts for one-third of all new U.S. AIDS cases and approximately 60% of hepatitis C infections. Nationally, nearly half of new HIV infections occur among injection drug users (IDU) and their sex partners.
But in King County, only 4% of IDU are HIV infected, thanks to strong prevention efforts including needle exchange and syringe sales. According to studies, access to sterile syringes does not increase drug use.
In terms of treatment, Public Health successfully placed 191 individuals into methadone treatment in 2003. However, 685 people eager for methadone treatment currently remain on an 18 to 24 month wait list.
"Public Health is committed to helping people get off drugs," said Dr. Bob Wood, HIV/AIDS Program Director. "Treatment on demand remains our goal, but at the present time the demand for treatment exceeds available resources. We want to help injectors remain as healthy as possible while they are waiting to get into treatment."
Access to new, sterile syringes is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Pharmaceutical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as sound public health practice.
Washington State law permits pharmacies to sell syringes without penalties and allows individuals over the age of 18 to legally possess sterile hypodermic syringes and needles. To facilitate access to education and screening for HIV and hepatitis as well as public health services such as drug and alcohol treatment, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy recommends that pharmacies partner with public health agencies for syringe sales.
Research conducted jointly by Public Health and the University of Washington revealed strong support among pharmacists for programs to reduce transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
In addition to increasing syringe access, Public Health is committed to reducing the number of used syringes placed in the trash, public settings, and the public waste system. Secure, exterior syringe drop boxes have been installed at 12 locations throughout King County. These steel boxes enable individuals to discretely and safely dispose of syringes and other injecting equipment 24 hours a day.
To find participating pharmacies selling syringes without restrictions, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/harmred/pharmacies.htm
To find syringe drop box locations, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/resources/dropbox.htm
