Las Vegas To Become First U.S. City To Dispense Needles To Addicts From Vending Machines

Las Vegas will become the first city in the United States to dispense free needles from vending machines under an experimental project aimed at reducing the rates of HIV and hepatitis C infections.

Needle Programs Reduce Disease

Jenny Gratzke, disease with the Southern Nevada Health District, told the Los Angeles Times there were an estimated 5,800 injection drug users in the city’s Clark County. She said most drug users are either injecting heroin or methamphetamine.

The program, which will begin in May, will use three vending machines in secure places where drug users can anonymously get clean needles -- and stop sharing them -- and avoid the stigma of getting needles at a pharmacy.

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The vending machines will contain a kit that includes a syringe, tourniquet, alcohol swabs and information about where to obtain treatment for drug abuse.

Vending machines are used in some other countries, and needle-exchange programs are in place in many U.S. states. Studies have shown that clean-needle programs sharply reduce the incidence of disease in intravenous drug users.