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Senate passes needle exchange bill

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On Thursday, March 23 the New Hampshire Senate voted to allow needle exchange programs in New Hampshire.

Needle exchanges allow drug users to trade used hypodermic syringes for clean ones. 

The bill, SB 234, specifically authorizes community organizations and health centers to distribute hypodermic syringes.  SB 234 also legalizes the possession of trace amounts of drugs in a syringe if a person is part of a need exchange program. 

Bill supporters argue that there is a risk of a major HIV or Hepatitis C outbreak due to drug users sharing syringes.  Needle exchange programs can significantly reduce the spread of disease.

Needle exchange programs also offer an opportunity to discuss treatment with drug users.  According to the bill findings, “It has been shown that new participants in an SSP [syringe service program] were 5 times more likely to enter a drug treatment program than non-participants.”

Bill opponents express concern that needle exchange programs may encourage drug use by making it seem safer. 

Other opponents have objected to the legalization of any trace amount of drugs in needles.  Last year law enforcement officers testified that the legalization of trace amounts of drugs in syringes could make it more difficult to detain suspected drug dealers. 

SB 234 now heads to the House of Representatives.

When we asked our community about allowing needle exchanges this past January, commenters were evenly split for and against needle exchanges.  Click here to read our Citizen Voices summary of the discussion.

Do you support SB 234?  Share your opinion in the comments below.

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