Apr 27, 2009
National MS Society Commends Senate Environmental Quality Committee for Unanimously Passing Sharps Disposal Legislation
Bill requires drug manufacturers to submit plans for safe needle disposal programs for patients who inject their drugs
Sacramento: April 27, 2009 — Today, the California State Senate Environmental Quality Committee unanimously passed SB 486 which provides for safe needle disposal methods for at home injection patients. The Northern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society commends the committee for supporting this important piece of legislation that affects an estimated 1 million Californians who use syringes and other sharps for home health care.
Many of the 35,000 Californians living with multiple sclerosis use injectable drugs and they are unable to comply with new legislation which went into effect on September 1, 2008 that made it illegal to throw sharps into the trash. The Society urges the full Senate to pass SB 486, the Sharps Waste bill, which will establish a system for handling this waste that is safe, convenient, and sustainable. This bill will require that drug manufacturers who make these injectable medications submit plans to the California Integrated Waste Management Board on how they will provide safe needle disposal programs for the patients who inject their drugs.
The National MS Society recognizes that throwing used syringes into the household trash is harmful to the environment and a health hazard, however, currently, many cities and counties in California do not have sharps disposal programs of any kind, leaving many individuals who use injectable medicines with no way to dispose of their sharps. In addition, in cities and counties where there are collection sites, they may be located in places difficult to get to for disabled people or not accessible at all for individuals who are home-bound. Although private mail back programs are available, they may be too costly for individuals with limited income.
This legislation was brought to the Committee as part of Senator Joe Simitian's (D-Palo Alto) "There Oughta Be A Law" contest. Betty Lipkin, a San Carlos resident who is living with multiple sclerosis testified before the committee and said that it was time that there was a way for her and other people using injectable devices to safely and legally dispose of their sharps. "There has to be a way to get rid of these containers that doesn't cost an arm and a leg," said Lipkin. "The only disposal place even close to my home me requires me to walk farther than I am able to due to my MS. I'm now a sharps collector and my home is filled with needles and syringes."
"For anyone with a family member who takes insulin or other medical injections, this idea will seem long overdue," Simitian said. "We tell patients they can't throw sharps away, but until now there hasn't been an easy, safe solution. SB 486 will make it possible to do the right thing, and we'll all be safer as a result."
The National MS Society – California Action Network (MS-CAN) is a co-sponsor of SB 486 along with the California Sharps Coalition and the County of Alameda. More than 25 advocates from MS-CAN attending the hearing today and showed their support for this legislation.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – California Action Network
The National MS Society – California Action Network (MS-CAN) is an advocacy coalition formed by the three Society chapters serving the Golden State. It coordinates a unified, statewide response to political issues of concern to people with MS. Members of the MS-CAN engage in letter-writing and telephone campaigns, as well as face-to-face meetings with state, local and federal officials. Their grassroots efforts are essential to guarding the rights of people with MS and the commitment of members nationwide makes the National MS Society one of America’s most respected voices on healthcare issues. www.msconnection.org/advocacy
About the Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society
The Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society offers vital programs and services to more than 20,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in its 40 county region and funds critical research projects to help develop better treatments and find a cure. The National MS Society is currently funding over $12.6 million in active research grants to institutions in Northern California. The Chapter is also a leading advocate for Californian’s living with MS at the federal, state and local levels. www.msconnection.org