Needle and Syringe Program: Pharmacy
Pharmacy Needle and Syringe Program – community retail pharmacy program distributing a range of injecting equipment – supplying injecting equipment and disposal containers for sale for free of charge
Operating hours
Wait time
No or N/A (typically no waiting times)After hours support
YesDescription
Visit www.directionshealth.com for an updated list of Pharmacies who are currently participate in the ACT Needle Syringe Program or click here to see an interactive map of participating pharmacies.
Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) are public health initiatives that provide free sterile injecting equipment, information on safe injecting practices, general health information and primary health care services to people who inject drugs. The aim is to reduce the spread of blood-borne viral and bacterial infections and to minimise drug related harms. Directions Health Services manage the ACT needle and syringe program.
Pharmacy NSPs are community retail pharmacies that distribute a range of injecting equipment. Pharmacy NSPs may supply injecting equipment and disposal containers for sale or free of charge.
A range of pharmacies participate in the ACT Needle Syringe Program. Please contact the individual pharmacy for opening hours and further advice as information provided is subject to change.
Age range eligibility
Under 1818-25 year old
26 +
Documentation
N/AOther exclusions
N/AUse of drug testing
Drug testing not used or not applicableTreatment type
Needle and syringe programHarm reduction initiatives
Provide sterile injecting equipmentTreatment duration
N/ATreatment goal
Harm reductionACT and NSW residents
Accepts ACT residentsAccepts NSW residents
Phones permitted
Contact the service for more informationSmoking permitted
YesAdditional program description
Needle and Syringe – Collection and Disposal
Collection
If you find a needle or syringe (also called a sharp) in a public place or on your private property, do NOT attempt to move it yourself. Do not touch it and, if possible, stand guard, or mark the area with a hazard sign, particularly if there are children around. Immediately call Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81 (pressing #1) to provide accurate information on the location of the item. A City Ranger from ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services will come and pick it up as soon as possible.
Disposal
Transport Canberra and City Services provide sharps disposal containers in all public toilets in urban open space. Sharps containers containing used syringes can be dropped off at the following locations:
Via primary Needle and Syringe Programs
City Health Centre outside the ground floor entrance, to the right of the main door – Corner of Alinga and Moore Streets, Canberra City. Phone: (02) 6143 5800
Phillip Health Centre at the back of the building, opposite Lovett (formerly MLC) Tower – Corner of Keltie and Corinna Streets, Woden. Phone: (02) 6132 4900
Via Emergency Disposal (domestic only) through recycling and waste facilities
- City Health Centre– Cnr Alinga and Moore Streets, Canberra City
- Phillip Health Centre– Cnr Keltie and Corinna Streets, Woden
- Mitchell recycling drop-off centre – Baillieu Court, Mitchell
- Belconnen recycling drop-off centre – Jolly Street, Belconnen
- Phillip recycling drop-off centre – Botany Court, Phillip
- Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre – Mugga Lane, Symonston
- Mitchell Resource Management Centre – Flemington Road, Mitchell
Click here for further information relating to the collection and disposal of needle and syringes in the ACT.
Source: Access Canberra, 2017, Needle and syringe collection and disposal, ACT Government
Additional program services or support
Organisation website provides details and more information
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The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline automatically directs you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your State or Territory
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