Plans for syringe machines

February 2014

SYRINGE vending machines could be rolled out in Footscray and Braybrook within months under a state-first program with the Yarra Drug and Health Forum. The group says the machines would help cut the spread of bloodborne diseases. Syringe vending machines could be installed in Footscray and Braybrook within months under a state-first program.

The machines will initially be rolled out in Richmond and Abbotsford following a partnership between the Salvation Army and the Yarra Drug and Health Forum.

YDHF chief executive Greg Denham said the machines should be made accessible in heroin hot spots to allow people access to clean syringes after-hours and a place for used drug paraphernalia to be disposed of safely.

“They are applicable to anywhere where there is a market for injecting drug use and Footscray is one of those, but also Sunshine and Braybrook where the drug market has moved to,” he said.

Written by Bridie Byrne, for full article please visit the Maribyrnong Leader