New Jersey officials have pledged to launch new local needle-exchange programs and enhance services at the seven existing sites, part of their wider effort to better address opioid addiction and some of its side effects. That’s according to NJ Spotlight.
Run by local nonprofits, traditionally on a shoestring budget, these programs let intravenous-drug users exchange used, or dirty, needles for clean ones. They also provide other healthcare or social services, including referrals to drug treatment.
Programs now operate in Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton; in 2018 they reached nearly 3,500 users and collected more than half a million dirty needles, according to the DOH.
NJ Gov Murphy wants to “strengthen and expand” these initiatives.
Read Full Story > https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/19/02/12/state-to-launch-local-needle-exchanges-enhance-services-at-current-sites/