Community Organizations Can Promote Safe Syringe Disposal

On July 25, 2003, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed landmark HIV prevention legislation allowing adults to purchase and possess syringes without a prescription. This change in law will save lives and money by dramatically reducing cases of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases.

To encourage safe disposal of syringes, the Illinois Department of Public Health is partnering with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to create a sharps container program that utilizes pharmacies and community organizations that serve syringe users as distribution points for household sharps containers. Community organizations can order and distribute free, EPA-approved sharps containers that syringe users can discard with household waste.

Agencies that would like to participate in this program should complete and return the program Participation Form and Memo of Understanding. Contact the syringe program coordinator at (312)922-2322 to have materials mailed or faxed to you.

Agency Participation Form (PDF)

Agency Memo of Understanding (PDF)

New! Educational cards for individuals and pharmacies:

English (PDF)
Espaņol (PDF)


To register for the Sharps Container Pilot Program or receieve educational materials, contact AFC at 312-922-2322.