�Same Ole Same Ole� with Regard to Sterile Syringe Availability

‘Same Ole Same Ole’ with Regard to Sterile Syringe Availability

Research has shown that the shared use of contaminated needles, syringes, and even drug vials is a major means of transmission for HIV and hepatitis B and C infections. However, fears persist that by allowing injecting drug users access to sterile needles and syringes sends the wrong message resulting in increased numbers of persons injecting illicit drugs and increased crime rates. And as the numbers of those injecting illicit drugs increases so do the numbers of bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis. Existing research and other data do not support such fears; however, there is some support for the ‘same old same old’ with regard to sterile syringe availability.