IPSWICH — The board of health has authorized a syringe service program for the town.

The board approved implementation of the program at its regular meeting on Monday, June 6.

The program means that people who inject drugs can obtain sterile needles and syringes free of cost and dispose of used needles and syringes.

They can also be connected to other services, such as testing for hepatitis C, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections, overdose education, and Narcan (naloxone), the board said.

“Persons who inject drugs can substantially reduce their risk of getting and transmitting HIV, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections by using a sterile (new) needle and syringe for every injection,” the board said in a statement.

At meetings in May and June, the board met with Susan Gould Coviello, executive director of the North Shore Health Project in Gloucester, who initiated the proposal, and representatives of the North Shore Health Project.

At the June 6 meeting, Kevin Cranston, assistant commissioner and director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) said MDPH identifies the vendor to work in the community and funds the syringe service program once the board of health provides authorization.

The Board also sought input from community stakeholders.

As of July 1, 2016, a local board of health in a Massachusetts city or town may approve the establishment of a syringe service program in that city or town.

More than 40 communities have approved such a program.

“This is a positive step forward for our community,” board of health chair Susan C. Hubbard said. “Research shows that syringe service programs reduce the spread of disease and improve health outcomes and, when combined with education and compassion, can save lives.”