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WHEREAS,?rates of drug use, fatal overdoses, HIV, and Hepatitis C diagnoses are increasing in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County; and
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?WHEREAS,?syringe access is an evidence-based structural intervention to reduce transmission of bloodborne infections and a proven method of reaching individuals who are currently using drugs in order to engage them in other risk-reduction services; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that Syringe Service Programs have operated safely and effectively for over 25 years in Pittsburgh, saving an untold number of lives; and
WHEREAS, Syringe Service Programs do not increase drug use or crime and individuals who participate in Syringe Service Programs are five times more likely to enter treatment for substance use disorder; and
WHEREAS,?the City of Pittsburgh must utilize its resources to assist the Allegheny County Health Department, Prevention Point Pittsburgh, and all other providers in expanding access to syringe service programs; and
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WHEREAS,?the Office of Community Health & Safety and the Department of Public Works have determined 611 2nd Avenue as a suitable primary distribution site; and
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WHEREAS,?pursuant to Allegheny County Ordinance 04-08-OR, the Allegheny County Council adopted and approved Article II, Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations pertaining to Needle Exchange Programs for Communicable Disease Prevention and Providing Drug Treatment Opportunities (the "Rules and Regulations"); and
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WHEREAS,?Section 205D of the Rules and Regulations states that, "No Needle Exchange Program shall operate in any location until the address of the Program Location is specifically approved by the Allegheny County Board of Health and the hosting municipality through legislative action;" and
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WHEREAS,?the Office of Community Health & Safety must pursue evidence-based public health and safety measures and is seeking to run a Needle Exchange Program at 611 2nd Avenue in Downtown Pitt...
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