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Q&A
Debate over syringe distribution near schools and playgrounds
1:11:07
ยท
139 sec
Council Member Feliz questions Rebecca Linn-Walton from the Department of Health about the appropriateness of distributing syringes near schools and playgrounds. Linn-Walton provides nuanced responses, emphasizing the focus on cleaning up and connecting people to services.
- Feliz asks if it's a good idea to provide syringes in front of schools and near playgrounds
- Linn-Walton explains that the focus is on cleaning up and connecting people to services, not distributing syringes to children
- The exchange highlights the complexity of the issue and the different perspectives on how to approach syringe service programs in sensitive areas
Oswald Feliz
1:11:07
So a few questions about the 450 feet rule.
1:11:11
I think they were somewhat asked earlier.
1:11:14
Just in general, do we think it's a good idea to give to provide hundreds of needles right in front of elementary school?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
1:11:23
No, and that's not happening.
1:11:25
So I just I do have to be honest about that.
1:11:29
The bulk of the work around a school is going to be cleaning up.
1:11:32
It's going to like I said before, I know we keep going over this because it feels like we're not giving enough of it's not fixed yet and so it continues to be an issue.
1:11:41
But what we're doing is helping someone come in for services.
1:11:45
That's the whole and cleaning up syringes.
1:11:47
And so there's no kid who needs SSP services.
1:11:51
And so our focus is getting out into the community to clean up and get people connected.
Oswald Feliz
1:11:56
Alright.
1:11:56
So that question was about schools.
1:11:57
Do we think it's a good idea to give syringes right next to a children's playground?
1:12:04
Same answer?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
1:12:06
Again, the focus remains the same.
1:12:09
It's about getting someone connected and cleaning up.
1:12:12
There's people tend again, I I you tend to bring someone to where there's more.
1:12:17
I I worked on the Be Heard teams.
1:12:18
I worked on outreach.
1:12:20
I've worked partnered with DHS.
1:12:21
And you always try to bring someone to where they're comfortable.
1:12:25
And people aren't comfortable in playgrounds.
1:12:27
And so we're trying to work to get them to come in for services.
Oswald Feliz
1:12:31
Alright.
1:12:32
But yes or no is a very simple question.
1:12:33
Do we think it's a good idea to give out syringes right next to a children's playground?
1:12:37
Yes or no?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
1:12:38
And again, I have to defer to state regulation about how
Oswald Feliz
1:12:42
syringes are Are the OHS a position on that?
1:12:44
Obviously, the state people have their own administration.
1:12:46
What's the city's position on giving out needles not a hundred feet away, next to a children's playground?
1:12:52
Do you have any position, any general principles that we could agree on that issue?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
1:12:56
I mean, I think we're getting into what if someone says I need a clean syringe and you say okay and you hand it to and then you walk them over.
1:13:02
I mean, technically, but that's not I mean, I just don't feel that we can answer the question because I think you're trying to get me to say a specific answer when I'm trying to say it's much more complicated and the relationship you form through outreach is more than just handing out a syringe.
1:13:20
It takes place over time.
1:13:21
You give them a receptacle at the same time.
1:13:23
Maybe you hand a syringe and then go walk them over to the kiosk as well.
Oswald Feliz
1:13:26
Alright.