Expanded syringe access demonstration program in New York State: An intervention to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission

Receptive Syringe Sharing Among Injection Drug Users in Harlem and the Bronx During the New York State Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program

“…Reduced syringe sharing also has the potential to reduce incidence of hepatitis C. 16 Effective on January 1, 2001, New York State enacted the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP), which allows up to 10 syringes at a time to be sold in pharmacies without a prescription or dispensed through private doctors, hospitals, and clinics to persons 18 years of age or older and permits the possession of those syringes for the purposes of injecting drugs. 17,18 The legislation required that participating providers register with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and also mandated an independent evaluation of the effects of the ESAP regarding a wide range of potential outcomes, including syringe sharing, substance use, accidental needle stick, and syringe disposal. 19 The law also required that a safe use and disposal informational insert be included with each purchase.…”

What Do Pharmacists Think About New York State's New Nonprescription Syringe Sale Program? Results of a Survey

“…[1][2][3][4] In May 2000, New York State legislation was enacted to expand access to and availability of hypodermic needles and syringes without prescription as a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention measure on a demonstration basis, effective January 1, 2001, through March 31, 2003. [6][7][8][9][10] Under the new program, named the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP), New York State pharmacies may register with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to sell or furnish 10 or fewer hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years of age or older without a doctor's prescription. Registered pharmacies must comply with requirements specified by law, including distributing an educational "safety insert" developed by NYSDOH with each sale of syringes.…”

“…Registered pharmacies must comply with requirements specified by law, including distributing an educational "safety insert" developed by NYSDOH with each sale of syringes. [6][7][8] The need to implement the temporary legislation quickly to stem the HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) epidemic required expedited communication with over 4,000 licensed pharmacies in the state. The law also promoted education on safe disposal of used syringes.…”

Increasing Safe Syringe Collection Sites in New York State

“…In conjunction with the advent of nonprescription syringe sales in NYS in 2001, known as the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP), the NYSDOH dedicated renewed attention to safe disposal. [27][28][29] The NYSDOH AIDS Institute implemented ESAP, in collaboration with public and private partners, including pharmacists, diabetes educators, communitybased organizations (CBOs), the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and others. Steps were taken to promote an environment that encouraged creation of conveniently located community-based collection sites and improvement of access to the existing health-care facility-based collection sites.…”