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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Licensing and regulation of Syringe Exchange Programs
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Linn-Walton outlines the process of licensing and regulating Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) in New York City. She explains the role of state and city health departments in overseeing these programs.
- SEPs are licensed by the New York State Department of Health
- Once licensed, they are subject to state rules and regulations for safe syringe distribution and collection
- The NYC Health Department may contract with licensed SEPs to provide financial support and technical assistance
Rebecca Linn-Walton
0:13:02
These organizations each sought to address the unique needs of their fellow community members by independently pursuing licensure from the state health department to get proper authorization to establish and operate a syringe exchange program.
0:13:17
They successfully organized to secure resources to address issues in their communities that are a result of decades of neglect and under investment.
0:13:27
Once licensed by the state, SSPs are subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the state health department.
0:13:34
These regulations set standards for how these organizations must safely distribute and collect syringes.
0:13:40
Regulations are based on decades of research and community feedback.
0:13:44
The health department is tasked with addressing the overdose crisis and controlling infectious disease and it is within our mandate to protect the health of all New Yorkers.
0:13:53
We support this network of community based organizations with these dual purposes.
0:13:58
Once an organization becomes licensed by the state, the New York City Health Department may contract with them to provide financial support and technical assistance.