Lawmakers Debate Syringe Sales Program
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) _ An effective tool in preventing AIDS and other diseases from spreading in California is at a crossroad.
State lawmakers are mulling whether to extend, expand or end a state program that allows over-the-counter sales of syringes without a prescription.
The Disease Prevention Demonstration Project was part of legislation that was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2004.
Contra Costa County was the first Bay Area county to allow pharmacists to sell up to ten syringes to someone without a prescription.
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Dr. Merv Silverman, the past president of the American Foundation for AIDS Research said it's strange lawmakers are even having this discussion given the amount of research supporting the use of clean syringes.
"It's just so very clear that it works. It's somewhat counterintuitive. You say if you give out syringes, it's going to increase drug use," said Silverman. "It absolutely does not do that. But it absolutely does reduce HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C transmission."
A bill by state Assemblyman Wes Chesbro would extend the existing law for eight more years.
Napa County is reportedly the only Bay Area county that chose not to participate in this statewide project.
Dr. Silverman said by denying the use of clean syringes, we risk the possibility of driving drug and disease further underground.
