Pharmacist involvement in needle exchange programs.
The use of injecting drugs with contaminated syringes and needles is a major factor in the spread of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that clean syringes and needles be made more easily available. This study surveyed 102 executives of state pharmacy boards and state pharmacist associations to determine their stands on repealing laws that preclude easy access to syringes and needles and on encouraging pharmacist participation in needle exchange programs. The 63 respondents to the survey moderately supported repeal measures, but they were somewhat less supportive of encouraging pharmacists to participate in needle exchange programs.
American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Bethesda, Md.
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Zellmer
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013594:Syringes; D014481:United States