Expanding access to sterile syringes through pharmacies: assessment of New York's Expanded Syringe Access Program

To investigate the evolution of pharmacist practices, attitudes, and experiences with the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP), which permits over-the-counter sale of syringes by registered pharmacies in New York State.

Longitudinal study.

New York State in 2002 and 2006.

506 (2002) and 682 (2006) managing pharmacists (response rates approximately 70%) at ESAP-registered pharmacies (n = 346 in both years).

Mailed surveys (2002 and 2006).

Pharmacist practices, attitudes, and experiences with ESAP over time.

Approximately 75% of pharmacists reported that ESAP had facilitated timely/emergency access to syringes, and more than 90% in each year reported no problems or very few problems administering ESAP. The practice of placing additional requirements on the sale of syringes decreased from 2002 (51.4%) to 2006 (45.1%), while a 55% increase in syringe sales was reported between 2002 (43.3/month) and 2006 (67.1/month). The sale of sharps containers also increased between 2002 (85.2%) and 2006 (92.8%). Community independent pharmacies and those located outside New York City generally expressed more favorable attitudes and experiences with ESAP, although these differences decreased over time.

Pharmacy-based syringe access is a viable harm-reduction alternative in the fight against blood-borne diseases, with ESAP now equaling the number of syringes being distributed by syringe exchange programs in New York State. Continued education/training is necessary to increase participation in ESAP and to further reduce barriers to ESAP use.