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Debate over implementing standards for needle distribution near schools and playgrounds
0:48:18
ยท
113 sec
Council Member Feliz argues for the implementation of basic standards for needle distribution, particularly near schools and playgrounds.
- Feliz emphasizes the need for common-sense standards to prevent needle distribution near sensitive areas
- He expresses confusion about the administration's stance, given its focus on public safety and quality of life
- Feliz questions why DOHMH is willing to distribute needles near schools but reluctant to play a role in cleaning up syringes
- He argues that the proposed bill only requires DOHMH and providers to pick up a similar amount of needles to what they distribute
Oswald Feliz
0:48:18
Okay.
0:48:19
And again, I agree with you.
0:48:20
These programs are important.
0:48:22
But the big question before us is how can we implement basic standards such as not placing a needle distribution program, not giving out hundreds of needles in front of elementary school.
0:48:32
So the program the, you know, the question before is this, what are basic common sense standards that we could implement?
0:48:37
You know, I'm very confused about administration that talks about public safety, quality of life every single day.
0:48:44
I'm confused about that administration not agreeing to something as basic as not distributing needles right next to a children's playground or a children's elementary school, which we know are gonna end up around that vicinity and could potentially cause a tragedy for for very young children.
0:49:02
Also and final question, I promise.
0:49:06
I don't get your position on the picking up of needles.
0:49:14
You agree that it's an issue that has gone unresolved and the bill doesn't require that DOH and providers, and again, not participants, I know you mentioned that earlier, that's very misleading.
0:49:23
What this requires is that the Department of Health and providers, which are general professionals on the issue, that they pick up, needles.
0:49:32
I don't get if if that's an issue, I don't get why the DOH and providers are willing to give out hundreds of needles in front of a children's elementary school, but they don't want to play any role in the cleaning up of syringes.
0:49:45
That's what you're saying.
0:49:46
You you talked about the parks department sanitation.
0:49:48
They're great.
0:49:49
They're great partners.
0:49:50
Their resources are limited, but it seems like DOH wants to create a problem and not to play any role in resolving it.
0:49:55
And I think that is irresponsible and unacceptable.
0:49:58
And that that's if you read the basic text of the bill, that is the only thing that this bill is requiring.
0:50:03
It's not requiring that you pick up every syringe provided by the city or the state or anybody else, just pick up a somewhat similar amount that you provide and it's not returned.