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Q&A
Discussion on mobile distribution programs and the nature of 'exchange' vs. distribution
0:41:10
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Council Member Feliz and Rebecca Linn-Walton engage in a discussion about the nature of mobile syringe service programs, focusing on whether they truly operate as 'exchange' programs or primarily as distribution services.
- Linn-Walton explains that all programs are exchanging syringes, but not on a strict one-for-one basis
- The conversation highlights the broader services provided by these programs, including HIV testing and access to medication
- Council Member Feliz expresses concern about the use of the term 'exchange' when the programs don't require bringing back needles to receive new ones
Oswald Feliz
0:41:10
You oppose the 450 fee rule.
0:41:13
Okay.
0:41:14
So talk to us about the mobile distribution programs.
0:41:17
We refer to them as mobile needle exchange programs, but how many of these programs are actually exchanging versus simply distributing needles?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:41:27
They're all exchanging.
0:41:28
So it's it's not that I hand you one, you give one back, as I said before, but they may get more back that day.
0:41:34
They may not be asked for any syringes that day, but any needle that needs to be safely disposed of, they're taking back.
0:41:40
So the mobile teams are actually, we call them syringe services programs because we put the emphasis on all of the services they're providing.
0:41:48
And so in the course of their day, they may not hand out a single syringe.
0:41:52
If the need is there and someone needs a clean sterile syringe, that is what state licensed distribute.
0:41:58
But they are also doing things like bringing someone back.
0:42:02
If someone's in the park and seems in need, they can come back to the drop in center.
0:42:06
They can get hot food.
0:42:07
They can get tested for HIV.
0:42:09
They can get tested for hep c.
0:42:10
They can get access to medication.
0:42:12
And we can stop community spread.
0:42:14
That's why they've been so effective in reducing HIV levels across the city.
Oswald Feliz
0:42:20
Yeah.
0:42:20
So I think that's where we have the, I guess, the confusion.
0:42:23
You're referring to it as an exchange program.
0:42:25
But generally, when you exchange, you're giving something and you're getting something back.
0:42:30
You're saying that's an option.
0:42:31
So you have the option to exchange, but it's truly not an exchange program.
0:42:34
It's a distribution program, and you can also bring back needles if you have and want to bring them back.
0:42:40
Is that a fair assessment or description?
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:42:42
I think the description is that the exchange happens in a wide variety of places across the city.
0:42:48
And so what we're doing is working across those syringe services programs, are state licensed, to make sure that people know about all the various ways to safely dispose of their needles in their home, in the local pharmacy, in a hospital.
0:43:03
I used to work at health and hospitals.
0:43:05
We were always making sure our kiosks were up to date and safe access so that someone can come in anonymously and dispose of their syringes.
0:43:12
So I don't think it, the evidence doesn't show that 14 programs is going to solve the syringe problem.
0:43:21
And so we're working on making sure all of the various wraparound ways someone can safely dispose are available.