Delaware News


Governor Markell Signs Legislation Expanding Needle and Syringe Exchange

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Thursday, August 11, 2016



Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today signed legislation expanding the state’s Syringe Exchange Program (SEP). Senate Bill 259 authorizes the state Division of Public Health to expand the program, which currently operates only in Wilmington, statewide should federal funding become available, to help reduce the sharing of potentially infected needles and supports the state’s larger efforts to address opioid addiction and HIV transmission.

“Expanding this program statewide is central to our efforts to combat drug addiction as well as ensuring we are taking every step necessary to reduce infections and prevent transmission of disease,” Governor Markell said. “I want to thank Sen. Henry and Rep. Keeley for their hard work this session to build support for this important legislation.”

This legislation would build on substantial progress the state has made in increasing access to key substance abuse treatments. More information on those efforts can be found here.

“While our ultimate goal must continue to be securing addiction treatment for the Delawareans who need it most, we must do whatever we can to ensure that IV drug users are not putting themselves or the public at further risk by using contaminated needles,” said Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose Henry. “Like drug use, diseases like HIV and hepatitis disproportionally impact low-income and minority populations and we have a moral responsibility to take these sorts of prudent measures to stop the spread of these devastating diseases.”

“During the past decade, we have seen the needle exchange program have a positive impact in the City of Wilmington by reducing the spread of HIV infections and other diseases that can be transmitted through a used needle. It also has helped connect people to various services and resources to reduce drug use,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, who sponsored the original needle exchange bill in 2006. “However, intravenous drug use is not just a problem in Wilmington; it’s a concern throughout our state. Expanding this successful program throughout Delaware will hopefully have the same benefits up and down the state that it has had in the city, reducing the spread of diseases and connecting people to the services they need to combat drug use.”

“SEP is not just about clean syringes, it offers hope for a healthier life. Stepping into the SEP’s mobile outreach van to access its life-saving services is a step in the right direction” said Domenica Personti, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services of Brandywine Counseling and Community Services.

“Our organization is committed to providing the education and preventive resources to give every individual the opportunity to make informed and healthy life choices,” said Dr. Lynn M. Fahey, Chief Executive Officer of Brandywine Counseling and Community Services.

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Governor Markell Signs Legislation Expanding Needle and Syringe Exchange

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Thursday, August 11, 2016



Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today signed legislation expanding the state’s Syringe Exchange Program (SEP). Senate Bill 259 authorizes the state Division of Public Health to expand the program, which currently operates only in Wilmington, statewide should federal funding become available, to help reduce the sharing of potentially infected needles and supports the state’s larger efforts to address opioid addiction and HIV transmission.

“Expanding this program statewide is central to our efforts to combat drug addiction as well as ensuring we are taking every step necessary to reduce infections and prevent transmission of disease,” Governor Markell said. “I want to thank Sen. Henry and Rep. Keeley for their hard work this session to build support for this important legislation.”

This legislation would build on substantial progress the state has made in increasing access to key substance abuse treatments. More information on those efforts can be found here.

“While our ultimate goal must continue to be securing addiction treatment for the Delawareans who need it most, we must do whatever we can to ensure that IV drug users are not putting themselves or the public at further risk by using contaminated needles,” said Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose Henry. “Like drug use, diseases like HIV and hepatitis disproportionally impact low-income and minority populations and we have a moral responsibility to take these sorts of prudent measures to stop the spread of these devastating diseases.”

“During the past decade, we have seen the needle exchange program have a positive impact in the City of Wilmington by reducing the spread of HIV infections and other diseases that can be transmitted through a used needle. It also has helped connect people to various services and resources to reduce drug use,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, who sponsored the original needle exchange bill in 2006. “However, intravenous drug use is not just a problem in Wilmington; it’s a concern throughout our state. Expanding this successful program throughout Delaware will hopefully have the same benefits up and down the state that it has had in the city, reducing the spread of diseases and connecting people to the services they need to combat drug use.”

“SEP is not just about clean syringes, it offers hope for a healthier life. Stepping into the SEP’s mobile outreach van to access its life-saving services is a step in the right direction” said Domenica Personti, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services of Brandywine Counseling and Community Services.

“Our organization is committed to providing the education and preventive resources to give every individual the opportunity to make informed and healthy life choices,” said Dr. Lynn M. Fahey, Chief Executive Officer of Brandywine Counseling and Community Services.

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.