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Q&A

Clarification on syringe distribution policies and practices

0:43:29

·

97 sec

Council Member Feliz seeks to clarify the exact nature of syringe distribution policies, emphasizing the difference between distribution and exchange programs.

Linn-Walton confirms that the programs do not require individuals to bring back needles to receive new ones
The discussion highlights that the term 'exchange' may be misleading as it's primarily a distribution program with the option to return used syringes
Council Member Feliz expresses concern about the use of potentially misleading terminology in describing these programs

Oswald Feliz

0:43:29

Okay.

0:43:30

But just to be clear, you're distributing needles and giving the option of also disposing.

0:43:34

But it's not exchanging where you're basically requiring that individuals bring back some needles in order to get more.

0:43:41

And I'm not saying that I'm supportive of that idea or requirement, but just want to get the rules of the of the your policies and practices, just want to get them clear.

0:43:48

So you're not requiring that individuals bring back needles.

0:43:52

They can get without

Rebecca Linn-Walton

0:43:53

The state has found that that's not effective, and so we fully defer to them and that if you offer safe disposal, the vast majority of syringes people get at SSPs are safely disposed of.

0:44:04

The same way people who deal with diabetes are learning how to dispose of their syringes once they've given themselves insulin.

Oswald Feliz

0:44:11

Okay.

0:44:12

Are there any programs that require that you bring back before you get a needle?

Rebecca Linn-Walton

0:44:18

We don't because they focus so much on education rather than requirement.

0:44:22

Because that seems to be much more effective.

Oswald Feliz

0:44:24

Yeah.

0:44:24

And education is really important, but, you know, obviously, that that's not enough.

0:44:29

Based on what we're seeing in our communities, that's not close to being enough.

0:44:32

And I you know, I'm just asking these basic questions because I just wanna make it very clear that even though we continue to use the word exchange, we're not really exchanging.

0:44:39

We're distributing and giving the option to bring back.

0:44:41

But we're not exchanging.

0:44:42

Exchanging is, I gave you this coffee, give me a cup of water.

0:44:45

That's an exchange.

0:44:46

You give me something, I give you something.

0:44:48

But if we're not exchanging, then we shouldn't use misleading words to sell an idea.

0:44:53

Without and I'm not making a point about whether the idea is a good good one or bad one.

0:44:57

My point is the needle exchange program, that's a very misleading way of describing the program.

0:45:03

Because you're not exchanging anything.

0:45:05

You're distributing.

Rebecca Linn-Walton

0:45:06

And I think it's important to uncouple the community syringe litter issue from SSPs, that it's not 14 programs that are leading to the opioid crisis we're having, the affordability crisis that is causing so many people to be unhoused in New York and causing so much burden on community and loved ones about people's need.

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Discussion on mobile distribution programs and the nature of 'exchange' vs. distribution

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DOHMH's perspective on community syringe litter issues and SSPs