Needles and syringes
Needle and syringe programs (NSP) are a public health measure, consistent with the National Drug Strategy’s harm minimisation framework, to reduce infections and transmission of blood borne virus such as HIV and hepatitis C among injecting drug users.
Our NSP’s are located at Biala, Caboolture Community Health and Redcliffe Community Health Centre, and provide a range of services for people who inject drugs:
- sterile injecting equipment
- education on reducing drug use
- health information and safer injecting advice
- referral to treatment, medical care and legal and social services
- overdose prevention training and access to take-home naloxone.
The injecting equipment provided includes needles and syringes, swabs and ‘sharps bins’ for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Sterile water and wheel filters are also available for a small fee.
Needle and syringe programs do not supply drugs or allow people to inject drugs on the premises.
A large sharps bin is also located at each NSP to allow for the safe return and disposal of used injecting equipment.
Vending machines
Syringe vending machines which dispense packs for free, or a small fee, are also located at a number of venues. These 24/7 machines that provide sterile needles and syringes are located outside hospitals, community or sexual health centres and alcohol and drug services.
Call the Needle and Syringe Helpline on 1800 633 353 for information on how to access clean needles and syringes and how to dispose of them safely.
Centre | After hours vending | Location | Phone |
---|---|---|---|
Bowen Hills – QuIHN Brisbane Monday-Friday 9.00am-7.00pm |
1 Hamilton Place Bowen Hills |
(07) 3620 8111 | |
Redcliffe Community Health Centre Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.30pm |
Yes | 181 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring |
(07) 3897 6330 |
Brisbane City – Biala 7 days 7.00am-11.00pm |
Yes | 270 Roma Street Brisbane |
(07) 3837 5614 |
Brisbane Youth Service Monday-Friday 9.00am-12.00pm, 1.00pm-4.00pm |
42 McLachlan Street Brisbane |
(07) 3252 3750 | |
Pine Rivers Community Centre Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm |
568 Gympie Road Strathpine |
(07) 3817 6333 | |
North West Community Health Centre Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm |
49 Corrigan Street Keperra |
(07) 3335 8888 | |
Caboolture Community Health Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm |
Yes | McKean Street Caboolture |
(07) 5433 8300 |
Nundah Community Health Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm |
10 Nellie Street Nundah |
(07) 3146 2300 |
Contact us
Needle and Syringe Helpline
Support or more information about clean needles and syringes.
Phone: 1800 633 353
Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support
Adis provides 24-hour, 7 day a week confidential support for people in Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns, their families and health professionals.