1. Syringe access in Massachusetts Kevin Cranston, MDiv Director, Bureau of Infectious Disease Massachusetts Department of Public Health

2. Authorizing Legislation M. G. L. c. 94c §§27-27A Permits over-the-counter sales of syringes to persons 18 and older Decriminalizes the possession of needles and syringes Required a statewide syringe disposal plan and distribution of information on disposal to purchasers

3. Supporting structures and processes Development of syringe disposal fact sheet (all purchasers) and brochures (for IDUs) Revised NEP enrollment card citing new statute and rights Statewide syringe disposal kiosk placement and other syringe disposal plans at local level

5. Kiosk and existing sharps disposal sites, Massachusetts

6. Impact Some localized resistance from pharmacists, price increases and added scrutiny of identification of perceived addicts Board of Registration in Pharmacy letter to pharmacists clarifying law and process Drop-off in utilization of NEPs, esp. out-of- area clients Consideration of adding syringe distribution to non-NEP IDU-serving prevention programs