Agenda Item Name:
Title
Letter of Agreement with the Department of Health regarding the Syringe Exchange Program
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck (352) 231-0058
Description:
Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program to reduce transmission of diseases
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve and authorize the Chair's signature to enter into a letter of agreement by and between the State of Florida, Department of Health, and Alachua County, related to the authorization and operation of a sterile needle and syringe exchange program (Needle Exchange Program).
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Prior Board Motions:
11/12/2019 - Needle exchange discussion at upcoming policy meeting, in cooperation with Dept. of Health
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
None
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Background:
Florida Statutes Section 381.0038(4) providing that a county commission may authorize a sterile needle and syringe program under the provisions of a county ordinance for the free exchange of clean, unused needles and hypodermic syringes for used needles. The goal of the program is to prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, or other blood-borne diseases. State, county, or municipal funds cannot be used to operate an exchange program. Grants and donations from private resources and funds may fund such programs.
In 2018, Alachua County had 157 persons living with HIV and 247 persons with Hepatitis C. The risk of transmission is likely to increase due to the rise of opioids and shared needle use.