The local health board in Springfield, Massachusetts has declared a public health emergency due to the opioid crisis and voted to authorize a needle exchange program.
The unanimous vote instructs Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris to establish a program where drug users can turn in used hypodermic needles and receive new ones.
" I am just happy that going forward we are going to have the opportunity to do what I believe will save lives in the city of Springfield and western region," said Caulton-Harris.
The program, now called “syringe services” is intended to reduce the spread of AIDs, hepatitis, and other diseases. It includes referrals to treatment programs and the dispensing of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone.
