Needle and Syringe Program
The Tasmanian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is a public health initiative to minimise the spread of blood borne viruses HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users and to the wider community.
The NSP operates through and in a range of different service providers. These include:
- community health services
- community service organisations
- neighborhood and community houses
- Tasmanian aboriginal health services
- regional hospitals
- councils
- youth organisations
- pharmacies.
Needle & Syringe Program Outlets
Primary NSPs
Primary NSPs provide a wide range of injecting equipment to injecting drug users, they also:
- provide health information and education.
- make referrals.
- liaise with local agencies such as police, local government, health, drug treatment and welfare agencies.
- distribute sharps disposal containers, alcohol swabs, pill filters, and sterile water for injection.
- provide services for the appropriate disposal of used injecting equipment.
Secondary NSPs
Secondary NSPs are programs operating within existing organisations, such as community health centres, regional hospitals and community houses. They:
- distribute fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes
- may provide services for the appropriate disposal of used injecting equipment
- make referrals.
Secondary outlets in the north
Secondary outlets in the north west
Secondary outlets in the south
Community Pharmacy NSPs
- provide fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes for a fee.
Community pharmacies in the north
Community pharmacies in the south
Community pharmacies in the north west
Vending machines
- provide fit packs containing 1, 3 and 5ml syringes for a fee.
September 2019