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Locals Tout Success Of Free Needle Program

safepointohio.org

Health officials say more than 1.5 million free needles have been handed out to 3 thousand Columbus drug users to help stop the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases. The syringe access program called Safe Point, administered by Equitas Health, has been busy since it began operating in January 2016 with its two centers at near capacity. Participants may obtain 150 syringes every two weeks, are assessed on their use at each visit and whether they have access to naloxone. Many clientele have been referred to drug and alcohol counseling.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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