Palm Beach County Moves Toward Starting A Needle Exchange Program

Drug Use Needles Getty Images

The Palm Beach County Commission has approved on first reading a plan to establish a needle exchange program similar to one in Miami-Dade County.

The Florida Legislature passed a bill that will allow the expansion of these programs throughout the state.

The county will hold a public hearing next month about the Infectious Disease Elimination Program, which would include the ability for addicts to turn in used needles and get clean ones in exchange.

Proponents say needle exchanges are known to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections like HIV and hepatitis C among intravenous drug users.

Public money won't be available for the program under the bill approved by the Legislature, so the county must pay for it through donations or grants.

Photo: Getty Images


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