Denver’s City Council has approved a new ordinance to expand needle exchange programs, aiming to improve addiction recovery efforts.
Right now, only three needle exchanges are allowed to operate, thanks to a law from 1997. But if the mayor signs off on this new policy, there could be no limit on how many can open in areas meant for medical offices. Plus, they’re planning to get rid of the 1,000-foot rule that keeps these sites away from schools and daycares.
The council voted 8-5 in favor of the ordinance. Councilman Paul Kashmann, who supported it, pointed out that the current rules don’t really help people trying to recover from addiction. He believes that if this bill passes, it could actually save lives by giving people access to clean needles.
Some council members, like Flor Alvidrez and Kevin Flynn, voted against it, wanting to see more restrictions in place. Mayor Mike Johnston, who’s been a bit skeptical about the whole thing, has five days to decide if he’ll sign it or not.
These needle exchange sites are crucial for drug users. They provide a safe place to get rid of used needles and pick up clean ones, along with info on mental health and addiction treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these programs to help stop the spread of diseases and lessen the impact of drug use in communities.
It’s still unclear how many new providers would want to set up shop if the cap is lifted. Currently, the three programs in operation are the Harm Reduction Action Center, the Colorado Health Network, and a mobile site called LifePoint.
Supporters of the new policy, especially the more progressive council members, argue that people who use these exchanges are more likely to seek treatment. They see this as a way to help prevent overdoses, which have been on the rise in the city.
On the flip side, some council members who support the idea still want to keep some restrictions in place. They’re okay with increasing the number of sites but don’t want to completely remove the distance requirement.
Watson, who initially backed the bill, changed his mind and voted against it this time. He mentioned that while needle exchanges are effective, the community feedback shows they’re not in favor of removing the distance rule.
These centers are regulated by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and are regularly inspected. If the ordinance passes, they’ll need to create “good neighbor agreements” with nearby communities, which will be part of their licensing process.
