Needle Exchange? Not On My Doorstep

[coldturkeys]

Considering the importance of sterile injecting equipment for intravenous drug users, some towns and cities throughout the UK are failing to address the issue.



In Perth, Scotland, there is just one needle exchange available to the whole of Perth, located in a small Pharmacy on the outskirts of town - Bridge End. Some addicts are having to travel up to 6 miles to get to the local exchange.


Those who are able to get to the out-of-town needle exchange are often surprised to find it is closed for lunch. When it is open, you are then only allowed to take away a maximum of ten syringes.



Considering they call Perth a City and that drug abuse is as much a problem here as it is in some other areas, this poor availability is simply unacceptable.


I would be very interested to hear how other towns and cities deal with this important issue. Please let us know.