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Q&A
Clarification on syringe exchange program operations near schools
0:56:44
ยท
58 sec
Council Member Marmorato seeks clarification on the specifics of syringe distribution near schools, expressing concern about the practice. Assistant Commissioner Linn-Walton explains the nuances of how syringe service programs operate and the reasons behind their locations.
- The health department clarifies that they distribute clean syringes as part of their program
- Assistant Commissioner Linn-Walton emphasizes that direct distribution doesn't occur at schools
- The discussion highlights the tension between providing services and community concerns
Kristy Marmorato
0:56:44
But you're saying it's also an exchange program?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:56:49
Well, that's how syringe services programs work, is we hand out clean syringes.
Kristy Marmorato
0:56:53
So okay.
0:56:54
So since I came late because I was at another committee meeting, so you're saying no.
0:56:58
You shouldn't be.
0:56:59
So you're basically saying this 450 foot rule, you're gonna be distributing syringes at parks as an exchange program?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:57:07
Well, part of it is I defer to law because the state regulates
Kristy Marmorato
0:57:11
And you think that this is okay to distribute syringes by schools?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:57:16
I mean, I have to look at it that that's not where the activities of handing out syringes are happening, that people don't I think it's important to know that when someone's receiving these services, it's often an incredibly shameful moment in their lives and when someone has a history of overdose and substance use, they may be using in a park because their mother lives with them at their apartment up the block, and they don't want to show her.
0:57:41
And so what we want to do is
Kristy Marmorato
0:57:42
provide But then other children can see that, children who are not exposed to