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Hearing on needle exchange

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On Tuesday, March 16 a House committee heard public testimony on HB 1681, a bill to allow needle exchanges in New Hampshire.

Needle exchange programs allow drug users to turn in dirty needles in exchange for clean ones.  Ideally needle exchanges reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Under current law, anyone caught with a needle that has trace amounts of heroin or other drugs can be charged with a felony.  HB 1681 legalizes the possession of syringes with residual amounts of drugs and allows people other than pharmacists to dispense new syringes.

Some law enforcement officers testified against the bill because used syringes can be probable cause to search or arrest drug users and dealers.

“It is going to interfere with the apprehension of the dealers,” said committee Chairman John Tholl. “Because if you come across somebody who has a needle that has some residue in it, and it’s not against the law, there’s not much you can do.”

Supporters argued that the pros of needle exchanges outweigh any cons. 

Tym Rourke, who chairs the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drugs, shared the example of Scott County, Indiana, a rural area with a population of 4,200.  In just one year the county saw over 200 cases of HIV and hepatitis C due to contaminated needles.

New Hampshire is the only state in New England without a needle exchange.

Do you support HB 1681?  Comment below.

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