Raleigh ‘Safe syringe’ idea worthy of support

Advocates of “safe syringe” programs in which people can exchange old needles for new ones or just get new needles are hardly pandering to addicts or encouraging them. Rather, such programs – a coalition will open a program in Raleigh next week – recognize the public health threat that dirty needles pose in spreading HIV or hepatitis. And police officers, who can be stuck by dirty needles in the course of their work, can benefit as well.

In addition to the needles, the program also will offer material on services for addicts and on overdose rescue.

The problem with this program, in which the coalition will partner with Sigma Health Services in Wake County, is that a state law setting out guidelines included a prohibition against using public money to buy clean needles. This is shortsighted and a serious problem. In addition, the money for such purchases would likely be insignificant.

Again, this is a public health issue. It’s not encouraging drug use. In time, it might help curb HIV and hepatitis. Medical professionals see the wisdom in it, and Wake County’s public health units ought to be able to participate, pending a change in the flaws in the state law.

This story was originally published September 6, 2016 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Raleigh ‘Safe syringe’ idea worthy of support."