Needle Exchange Program

This information is brought to you by the Island County Health Department (ICPH)

A policy establishing a Needle Exchange Program in Island County was instituted by the Island County Health Officer in September '99, making Island County the 6th county in the Puget Sound region (9th in the state) to embrace this tactic to diminish the spread of bloodborne infection. (When & Where)

The objective of the program is to intervene in the disease process of intravenous drug users in order to stop the spread of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), and Hepatitis B and C. Additionally, the program will provide an opportunity for intravenous drug users to consider behavior changes, drug treatment, and reduction of risk in the context of on-going contact with experienced professionals.

The program has been developed carefully and thoughtfully, through a series of meetings and consultations with experts in similar public health programs, Health Department staff, and other professionals and citizens who have an interest in the program. Details of the program have been shared with concerned and involved groups, in the form of meetings and updates, as plans were developed.

The program has been implemented within the context of the HIV/AIDS Project’s Counseling and Testing program, utilizing trained and experienced staff and existing facilities. It is being conducted within scheduled times and in one-to-one contacts. In addition to the exchange of syringes, clients of the program are being given information on health, HIV Counseling and Testing, drug treatment, and other counseling specific to their situations and needs. Contacts are advised that needle exchange is for disease prevention only, and that possession of such paraphernalia is unlawful.

The program benefits those who come into contact with intravenous drug users and their discarded syringes, including: domestic partners and their children, law enforcement officers, solid waste employees, and citizens on beaches and in parks. Needle exchange offers protection to pharmacists who may risk arrest by selling needles which become drug paraphernalia.

Already an accepted practice in eight counties in Washington, five of which are in the Puget Sound region, needle exchange is an effective public health strategy which will become an important part of Island County’s efforts to promote health and safety for the entire community...

FAQs: What is this plan all about, anyway?

Does needle exchange reduce the number of HIV infections?
Does needle exchange increase drug use?
Does needle exchange increase Crime?
Does needle exchange increase the number of contaminated syringes on the streets?
How Can needle exchange help a community?
Do Americans support needle exchange?
What Is our current federal policy on needle exchange?
What should federal government do regarding needle exchange?

When & Where is the exchange program conducted?

South Whidbey:
     South Whidbey Community Health Services Bldg.
     5475 South Maxwelton, Langley - 1st Monday each month 3-4:30pm

North Whidbey:
     North Whidbey Community Service Center, Oak Harbor
     1791 NE 1st (Whidbey & Regatta) - 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month
                                                                     2:30-4:30pm
Camano Island:
     127 NE Camano Dr., Suite B ... 3rd Wednesday 4:00 – 5:00 pm

*** On March 8, 2002 the Governor signed into law a bill making it lawful for anyone over age 18 to purchase syringes/ needles at any pharmacy in the state of Washington to reduce the transmission of blood borne disease, exempting all pharmacies from any penalties associated with syringe distribution.

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