California county
approves needle sales

The Solano County, Calif., board of supervisors last week voted 3-2 to approve nonprescription needle sales in participating pharmacies in the county, the Vallejo Times Herald reports. The measure is part of a statewide law aimed at lowering HIV and hepatitis infections among injection-drug users by allowing individual counties to participate in a pilot program through 2010 that allows pharmacies to sell up to 10 hypodermic needles to adults without a prescription. Walgreens, Longs Drugs, and Ralph's supermarkets in the county have agreed to participate in the program. Supervisors voting for the measure say it will lower health costs in the county by preventing HIV and hepatitis infections. But supervisor Mike Reagan, who voted against the measure, says it is just a "feel good" way of addressing drug addiction. (Advocate.com)