WHEREAS sharing contaminated syringes and needles for injection drug use transmits bloodborne infections; and

WHEREAS syringe and needle exchange programs have been demonstrated to diminish sharing of contaminated injection equipment by improving access to sterile equipment; and

WHEREAS research has demonstrated that syringe and needle exchange programs have slowed the transmission of HIV among injection drug users (IDUs); and

WHEREAS syringes and needles are available without prescription in Washington state; and

WHEREAS many pharmacists are fearful of selling syringes and needles to people who appear to them to be IDUs because of laws that prohibit the sale of equipment that is used for illicit drug use (paraphernalia); and

WHEREAS paraphernalia laws impede access to sterile syringes and needles, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) supports sterile syringe and needle exchange programs as important interventions to diminish the transmission of bloodborne infections; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that WSPHA supports removal of barriers to access to sterile syringes and needles.

Adopted by the vote of the Membership assembled at the 1999 Annual Business meeting of the Association, October 4, 1999 in Spokane, Washington.