Denver’s City Council is set to vote on lifting limits for needle exchange programs to combat rising overdose rates.
Denver: The City Council is looking to change the rules around needle exchange programs. Right now, there are only three allowed, but the new ordinance could open the door for many more.
If passed, these programs could pop up in areas zoned for medical offices without the current location restrictions. This means they could even be near schools and daycares, which has some folks worried.
Needle exchanges help people who use drugs by providing clean needles and access to health services. The CDC backs these programs as a way to reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Recently, eight out of twelve council members showed support for the changes, while four were against it. The council president was absent during the vote.
Supporters believe that more needle exchanges could help tackle the rising number of overdoses in Denver. The city has seen overdose deaths more than double in just a few years.
Councilwoman Sarah Parady emphasized the need for life-saving measures during discussions about the ordinance. Some needle exchange programs even offer clean smoking pipes and overdose reversal drugs.
The proposal has sparked a debate among council members, with some wanting to keep certain restrictions to protect nearby residents. Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez pointed out that this isn’t about whether harm reduction works, but about changing the rules.
Some council members, like Amanda Sawyer, expressed concerns based on negative feedback from residents living near existing programs. She described the needle exchange as a “terrible neighbor.”
The new rules would require centers to create agreements with local communities to address concerns. Initially, these agreements were nonbinding, but now they’ll be part of the licensing process.
Sawyer suggested allowing more programs but only through healthcare providers, which the sponsors rejected, saying it would limit access for those in need.
Flynn, another council member, is worried about the potential for supervised drug-use sites to open near schools if the distance requirements are removed. He’s been cautious about supporting the changes.
Mayor Mike Johnston’s office has also expressed skepticism, stating that they believe there are enough needle exchange programs already in place.
Currently, the city has three needle exchange programs, and last year, the health department spent over $500,000 to support them. The first legal needle exchange opened in 2011 after years of restrictions.
As the council prepares for the final vote, the community is watching closely to see how this will impact the ongoing battle against drug-related issues in Denver.
