A focus group evaluation of drop boxes for safe syringe disposal

Project Red Box, a pilot project undertaken by the Baltimore City Health De partment, is designed to decrease the number of needles and syringes discar ded in public locations. The qualitative evaluation consisted of focus grou ps with a total of 73 people, including injection drug users (ID Us), commu nity residents, police officers, and local pharmacists. Mixed feelings were expressed about the project in each group. Community residents felt that d iscarded syringes pose a threat but having the boxes acknowledges drug use and send the message that drug use is acceptable. ID Us agreed that the pro ject was a good idea, however many maintained that the boxes would not be u sed. The majority of police officers and pharmacists felt that the boxes wo uld not be used due to a lack of concern by ID Us regarding syringe disposa l. Follow-up groups revealed that the boxes have had a positive impact on t he community. Participants in each of the groups expressed positive opinion s about the project and have either used the boxes themselves or have seen others use them. Expansion of the project was recommended.