I'm heading to Phoenix today to speak to
legislators about HB 2148 Syringe
Service Programs
Dirty needles are a problem that impacts
all first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, and
EMS personal. I live in Mohave County where we have a serious problem with
illicit opioid use.
Syringe
Service Programs take dirty needles off the streets keeping our police
officers, firefighters, EMS personal safer, and the community as a whole safer. Syringe Service Programs are shown to reduce an officer’s
chance of a needle stick reducing their chance of being exposed to communicable
diseases like Hepatitis C, HIV, and AIDS.
People
who inject drugs dispose of syringes in places like dumpsters, on the street,
or in bushes. These can result in accidental needle sticks for law enforcement.
This is especially a problem in Arizona where possession of a syringe can mean
arrest and serious charges.
According
to a recent report by the CDC, one in three officers may be stuck with a needle
during their career. This puts officers at risk of contracting one or more of
the communicable diseases associated with drug abuse.
A
study of Connecticut police officers found that needle stick injuries were
reduced by two-thirds after implementing Syringe Service
Programs.
These programs not only provide intravenous drug users a place to
safely dispose of dirty needles. It allows us to reach those in our
communities that are hardest to reach allowing us to offer lifesaving services
like treatment, housing, food, and other social services diverting them
away from criminal activity.
I spent 12 years working undercover, not
one drug dealer ever asked if I had a drug problem or wanted to get help, they
only ask if I wanted to buy more drugs…
If
we want to reduce drug use, keep our communities safer while keeping our police
officers, firefighters, and EMS personal safe from needle sticks and
communicable diseases a Syringe Service Program is a good
way to start.
Thank
you for your time.....
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