OBJECTIVES : The United States is currently in the middle of an opioid epidemic crisis with the number of overdose deaths increasing by 385% from 1999 to 2017. In Alabama alone, the percent change in drug overdose deaths from 2016 to 2017 was 11.1. The purpose of this study is to assess the willingness of community pharmacists in Alabama to implement needle exchange programs in their practice setting for the prevention of blood-borne pathogens.

METHODS : This study is a cross-sectional survey. The study used a random sample of the pharmacists licensed and practicing in the state of Alabama. Data collection included information on the participating pharmacists’ characteristics and their opinions regarding needle exchange programs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviation (± SD).

RESULTS : A total of 46 survey responses were fully completed and retained for final analysis. Chain pharmacists are more likely than independent pharmacists to sell needles and syringes without a prescription. The majority reason among all pharmacists for denying a request to purchase syringes and needles was a concern for use with illegal drugs/substances. 81% of all pharmacists agreed that access to clean syringes and needles is important to prevent blood-borne infections such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

CONCLUSIONS : As the opioid epidemic continues, the number of injection drug users and blood-borne illnesses rises further. Syringe service programs have an important role in not only reducing the illnesses but also by constituting a safe setting for healthcare professionals to interact with Persons Who Inject Drugs and provide resources. Whether in the independent or chain community setting, pharmacists have a greater opportunity to serve as this public health resource in Alabama, as they already are in many other states.