A PILOT SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, DC

The Washington, DC, City Council authorized a pilot syringe exchange p rogram to operate for only 60 days at a single drug abuse treatment fa cility in the District. Only adults on the waiting list for treatment were eligible (n = 467). Of the 33 who enrolled, median duration of dr ug injection was 18 years. Twenty-seven participants denied needle sha ring. Of 209 needles distributed, 69% were returned. Low enrollment mi ght have been due to restrictive entry criteria, inconvenient location , incorrect syringe size, and attitudes of treatment staff. For future efforts to have a public health impact, wider accessibility will be n eeded.