Charlotte, NC Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

§ 90-113.27. Needle and hypodermic syringe exchange programs authorized; limited immunity. (a) Any governmental or nongovernmental organization, including a local or district health department or an organization that promotes scientifically proven ways of mitigating health risks associated with drug use and other high-risk behaviors, may establish and operate a needle and hypodermic syringe exchange program. The objectives of the program shall be to do all of the following: (1) Reduce the spread of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases in this State. (2) Reduce needle stick injuries to law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel. (3) Encourage individuals who use drugs illicitly to enroll in evidence-based treatment. (4) Reduce the number of drug overdoses in this State. (b) Programs established pursuant to this section shall offer all of the following: (1) Disposal of used needles and hypodermic syringes. (2) Needles, hypodermic syringes, and other injection supplies at no cost and in quantities sufficient to ensure that needles, hypodermic syringes, and other injection supplies are not shared or reused. (3) Reasonable and adequate security of program sites, equipment, and personnel. Written plans for security shall be provided to the police and sheriff's offices with jurisdiction in the program location and shall be updated annually. (4) Educational materials on all of the following: a. Overdose prevention. b. The prevention of HIV, AIDS, and viral hepatitis transmission. c. Drug abuse prevention. d. Treatment for mental illness, including treatment referrals. e. Treatment for substance abuse, including referrals for medication assisted treatment. (5) Access to opioid antagonist kits that contain an opioid antagonist that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a drug overdose, or referrals to programs that provide access to an opioid antagonist that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a drug overdose. (6) For each individual requesting services, personal consultations from a program employee or volunteer concerning mental health or addiction treatment as appropriate.