In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation to expand access to syringe service programs to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, connect individuals with substance use disorder treatment providers and support services, and distribute naloxone or other opioid antagonists to prevent overdose deaths.  The widespread availability of fentanyl has contributed to a startling rise in new HIV cases throughout the Commonwealth.  Indeed, according to the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, the number of new HIV diagnoses among intravenous drug users dramatically increased by 151% between 2016 and 2019.[1]  Over the past ten years, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that one in ten individuals acquired HIV by sharing contaminated syringes with other drug users.[2]
 
By increasing the availability of sterile syringes, we can promote safer injection practices and reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that syringe service programs are one of the most effective and scientifically proven harm reduction strategies.  In addition to allowing syringe service programs to distribute sterile syringes to program participants, our legislation will:
 

• Require syringe service programs to annually register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health;
• Require syringe service programs to provide referrals for HIV; viral hepatitis; substance use disorder prevention, care, and treatment services; and mental health treatment services to program participants;
• Require syringe service programs to establish a secure syringe collection and disposal site to ensure the safe and proper disposal of used syringes;
• Prohibit any syringe service program established following the enactment of our legislation from operating within a certain distance of a school or playground;
• Prohibit syringe service programs from distributing syringes to minors; and
• Require programs to issue quarterly reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding, in part, the number of syringes distributed to program participants; the number of HIV, viral hepatitis, and mental health treatment referrals made to program participants; and the number of substance use disorder treatment referrals made to program participants.   

 
Please join us in cosponsoring this important legislation to better protect our Commonwealth. 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0839: P.L.233, No.64