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Other HIV-Related Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut law provides for needle and syringe exchange programs in the health departments of the three cities with the highest number of AIDS cases among intravenous drug users.

Questions & Answers (Accurate as of November 04, 2011)

Syringe Access

Do Connecticut laws provide for access to clean needles for injection drug users to prevent HIV transmission?

Under Connecticut law⁵⁹ specific provision is made for needle and syringe exchange programs in the health departments of the three cities with the highest number of AIDS cases among intravenous drug users.  These programs shall provide free and anonymous exchange of up to thirty needles and syringes per exchange and offer education about the transmission and prevention of HIV and offer assistance in obtaining drug treatment services.

Can I purchase a hypodermic needle or syringe over the counter at a pharmacy?

Yes.  Connecticut law permits a pharmacy, health care facility, or needle exchange program to sell ten or fewer syringes to a person without a prescription.⁶⁰

Footnotes

⁵⁹ Conn. Gen. Stat. sec. 21a-65
⁶⁰ Conn. Gen. Stat. sec. 21a-65 (b)