The Victorian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is a public health initiative that aims to minimise the spread of blood-borne viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs and into the wider community.
Sharing a used needle or other injecting equipment is one of the most common ways of transmitting blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. In Australia, NSPs have prevented thousands of cases of infection among people who inject drugs and, in turn, protected the wider community.
At our offices in Kyneton and Sunbury we provide:
- Free sterile needles, syringes and other injecting equipment
- Plastic disposal containers for the safe disposal of used injecting equipment
- A location for the return of used needles and syringes
- Free condoms and water-based lubricant to encourage and facilitate safer sex practices
- Printed information on a range of health and drug use issues.
Our offices are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am (Sunbury) and 9am (Kyneton) to 5pm. Outside of these times a similar NSP service is provided at:
Terry White Chemmart
107 Mollison Street
Kyneton
Tel: 5422 1660
Open: 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 8.30am to 1pm Saturday; 10am to 1pm alternate Sundays
Please note that there is also a used needle/sharps dispenser located at the side Cobaw’s former premises at 47 High Street, Kyneton.
For more information on NSPs visit the Department of Health & Human Services website.
