Agenda Item Name:
Title
Public Hearing-Ordinance Enacting Needle Exchange Program
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck, Community Support Services
Description:
Public hearing to consider an ordinance enacting a Needle Exchange Program in Alachua County.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt ordinance enacting a Needle Exchange Program in Alachua County and authorize Chair to sign.
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Prior Board Motions:
November 12, 2019- Board discussed and moved to direct staff to provide Commissioner briefings and schedule proposal to a Board Policy meeting, motion carried 3-0.
August 25 2020 - Board approved authorization to advertise.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
None.
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Background:
The Board of County Commissioners of Alachua County intend to establish a sterile needle exchange program for health and safety of the residents of Alachua County.
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 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 Department of Health, 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. Additionally, the County must contract with one of a number of agencies listed by statute for the operation of the program. No State, county, or municipal funds may be used to operate an exchange program which must be funded through grants and donations from private resources and funds.