MAIL-BASED SYRINGE ACCESS DURING COVID-19:
NEXT DISTRO
ABRIDGED GUIDE FOR SYRINGE ACCESS PROGRAMS
Given potential changes to in-person services, the purpose of this is to share some basic information for mail-based syringe access for those who may have the ability to implement this as an option for folks to continue receiving supplies. L EG A L IT Y It is not illegal to mail syringes in the US. What puts syringes into a legal gray area is when they are paired with any type of ‘paraphernalia’ or drug user health education component. Diabetic syringes are available through online marketplaces if folks have the means to purchase them. Amazon sells one box of EasyTouch (10 bags of 10 syringes each) for about $15. This is cheaper than most in-person pharmacy prices.
COST Depending on the amount of supplies in a package, it costs anywhere from $7-$20 to ship a box of harm reduction supplies via USPS. Bubble mailers are a less expensive option but they hold far fewer supplies. For very heavy packages, a USPS flat rate box is sometimes cheaper. More info on USPS pricing.
HOW TO ENROLL PARTICIPANTS & RECEIVE REQUESTS The main thing to keep in mind is that convenience is the enemy of privacy and security. Any time participant information is stored with names and addresses in an unsecure system (Google docs, for example), there is risk. It is important to inform participants of that risk. Here are some things to consider for receiving order requests from participants: 1) Phone-in enrollment: make sure to double- and triple- check the address and confirm if there is an apartment or lot number. 2) Use
a Google Form for participants to enroll online. These enrollments automatically get sent to a Google Sheet (very similar to Microsoft Excel) where you can set up an email notification (Tools > Notification Rules) to alert you to when a new participant enrolls. a) Google Sheets integrating a third party service into your form will force you to agree to their service/company having access to all pieces of your information. Beware of third party add-ons. b) Having the enrollment be anonymous with a ‘handle’ and then having an individual call in their address is an option. 3) Encourage participants to download and use the Signal app (available for Android phones, iPhones, and desktop computers - download Signal) for communication with you. We have outlined our privacy and security efforts, including the benefits of Signal, on our website.
ORDERING You will find that the ordering process is the most complicated piece. If you are able to dedicate one phone line to orders coming in and have someone who is doing the packing take the orders, that would be best. You can quickly learn how much fits in a box. Ordering is much easier when people know exactly what they want. SUPPLIES Participants request supplies for themselves and often for their close networks as well. In general, NEXT asks users to request supplies for one month as a guideline. You will need to do what is right for your participants, capacity, and inventory.