Agenda Item Name:
Title
Status Update on the Alachua County Sterile Needle Exchange Program
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck, 352-231-0058
Description:
Update on activities to implement a Sterile Needle Exchange Program including a presentation by Well Florida, Inc. which is under contract to develop the project.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Hear update and presentation.
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Prior Board Motions:
On 8/25/20 the Board approved holding a Public Hearing on an Ordinance to authorize a local Sterile Needle Exchange Program. On 9/8/20 the Board approved Ordinance 2020-20 authorizing a Sterile Needle Exchange Program in Alachua County. An agreement with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to assist with a Sterile Needle Exchange Program was approved by the Board on 11/10/20.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
n/a
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Strategic Guide:
Social and Economic Opportunity
Background:
Laws of Florida 2019-143 amended Section 381.0038 to provide for a needle exchange program to prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, or other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users. Section 381.0038(4) F.S. provides that in order for a local program to be set up, it must be established by Ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners. In order to establish such a program the County must enter into an agreement with the FDOH which agrees that the County shall operate the program in accordance with State law. Further, the agreement will provide for ongoing consultation and advice by the Department in the operation of the program. The County subsequently released a Solicitation of Interest for the Sterile Needle Exchange Program and received a response from Well Florida, Inc., an organization eligible under statute to create and operate it. On 11/22/21 the County Manager executed an agreement with Well Florida, Inc. at no cost to the County. Well Florida, Inc. along with other interested stakeholders have met several times ...
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