'IF YOU HAVE A SYRINGE, WHERE DO YOU PUT IT?'

As legal over-the-counter hypodermic syringe sales begin today, the
state is listing no disposal sites for dirty needles in 10 of the
state's 13 counties and, according to proponents of the law, has
failed to put a system in place for the proper disposal of used
needles. As part of the new law, which proponents say is intended to
reduce the spread of diseases, especially among users of illegal
drugs, the Department of Public Health was required to release public
information today on needle safety and drop-off sites for used
syringes. The department web site lists sites in only Barnstable and
Franklin counties as well as the city of Haverhill.

The new law says disposal of syringes must be done safely and
responsibly and cites the state's sanitary code in cautioning that
improper disposal may lead to penalties of up to $25,000 or two years in jail.

In Web remarks addressed to the "many people in Massachusetts who use
syringes to manage your health care at home," the state is
encouraging needle users statewide to use the limited number of sites
or a "medical mail back service." The site lists toll-free phone
numbers of four services that provide pre-paid mailing cartons.

DPH's site lists precautionary measures such as "be safe" and "be
aware" and encourages needle users to dispose of syringes in sharp
containers that can be purchased at medical supply stores. It also
advises people not to dispose sharps with recycling or in the
garbage, and includes a substance abuse education and information
hotline number. The guidelines include hotlines for substance abuse
and HIV and Hepatitis C testing and counseling programs.

For Democrat Rep. Carl Sciortino, D-Medford the guidelines "met my
expectations" since they included AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis C help-lines, he said.

The web site lists four phone numbers for the voluntary needle
exchange program previously in place in Boston, Cambridge,
Provincetown and Northampton. Those programs allow drug users to
trade used syringes for new ones.

"Since the law took effect the state has done nothing on disposal or
collection. The sites listed on the fact sheet, were pre-existing,"
said Diego Sanchez, director of public relations for the AIDS Action
Committee, which supports the new law. Sanchez said the state is
"taking advantage" of the work other cities and towns have done "but
they have done no work on disposal collection since this law has taken effect."

To help people with more information on proper disposal and purchase
of needles, the AIDS Action Committee established a hotline, said
Sanchez. The number is 1-800-988-5209.

According to Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham), co-chairman for the
Legislature's Committee on Public Health, there were "different
readings" of the law by the DPH and a proper needle disposal system
has not been established yet.

"I know this is a brand new system to be put in place, but I was
hopeful that there would be more directions given to the individuals,
especially because there is no disposal system in place" said
Koutoujian, who credited DPH and the Department of Environmental
Protection for "hard work so far." "The disposal piece (of the law)
is crucial."

Critics of the law have warned of the potential for more needles to
be improperly discarded.

Gov. Mitt Romney also argued that making needles more widely
available could have "unintended consequences in public health." He
vetoed the needle bill this summer, citing an increase in heroin
deaths and hospitalizations in the state.

When legislators overrode Romney's veto, Massachusetts joined the
majority of the country in deregulating needle sales, with only New
Jersey and Delaware not allowing syringe sales over the counter.

According to Dr. Leonard Morse, commissioner of public health for the
city of Worcester, he is proposing the establishment of eight
drop-off sites throughout the city for used needles. The sites were
selected based on places drug users frequent for medical and social
needs, he said. The Worcester City Council opposes such measure, said
Morse, but has received local grants and support of several health
advocates to implement "Operation Yellow Box," which refers to the
color the proposed drop-off sites.

"I feel that the careless disposal of syringes in playgrounds and
parks is unacceptable," said Morse. "The Yellow Box is an expression
to drug users that we care about them and we would hope that they
would care about the community."