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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of proposed legislation Intro 1169
0:17:07
ยท
75 sec
Linn-Walton outlines the requirements of the proposed legislation Intro 1169, which would mandate SSPs to collect and dispose of all syringes distributed. She expresses concerns about certain aspects of the bill.
- Many of the proposed requirements already reflect core functions of SSPs
- The health department has concerns about the requirement to collect a similar number of syringes to those distributed
- The bill could create operational challenges that may impede SSPs' ability to provide services and reach new clients
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:17:07
Introduction eleven sixty nine would require SSPs, organizations acting as state licensed SEPs, to collect and dispose of all syringes distributed to community members.
0:17:18
Many of the proposed requirements in the legislation reflect core functions of SSPs already in operation.
0:17:25
This includes providing guidance for how to, for how for program participants on safe disposal practices, maintaining safe syringe disposal receptacles and ensuring staff are properly trained on collection of used syringes.
0:17:39
The health department has concerns regarding the requirement to collect a similar number of syringes to the number distributed.
0:17:46
This comparison does not align with the reality of syringe litter and SSP operations.
0:17:51
Clean syringes are available in hundreds of places in New York City beyond these 14 organizations.
0:17:57
We have all we also have concerns regarding the requirement to collect syringes distributed by the program but not returned by program participants.
0:18:06
In practice, the seemingly small change would pose significant operational challenges that could impede the SSP's ability to provide services and reach new clients.
0:18:16
This requirement may conflict with the operations of the previously mentioned syringe redemption program.
0:18:22
Together these dynamics will create confusion and operational obstacles which will increase barriers to life saving services, those that are critical to achieving the healthy NYC goal of reducing overdose deaths and controlling the spread of infectious disease.