(TNS) — A bill to legalize distribution of clean needles and syringes to drug users was approved by a state House committee on Wednesday, with support from both Democrats and Republicans
Pennsylvania is one of only ten states that bans so-called “syringe services,” which distribute fresh syringes and collect used needles with the goal of preventing spread of diseases including HIV and hepatitis. Syringe services also offer a range of other services known as “harm reduction,” including distribution of the overdose reversal drug naloxone and offers of drug treatment.
Their range of services had much to do with turning Republican state Rep. Jim Struzzi of Indiana County into a cosponsor of the bill.
He said the belief “that it’s just someone handing out syringes on the streets” is false and falls far short of conveying what the programs do.
One of the main impacts on drug users, he said, is “it gets them in front of recovery specialists.”
“I champion this because I believe recovery is possible and I believe people need the hope to understand that recovery can occur and does occur,” he said.
Struzzi further said the bill is supported by 180 medical organizations in Pennsylvania, and that drug users exposed to a syringe service are five times more likely to enter treatment.
The bill passed the judiciary committee by a 15-10 vote. The bill still has a long way to go, requiring approval from the full House and passage in the state Senate. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who would have to sign the bill into law, supports syringe services.
Needles and syringes used with illegal drugs are considered drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania. Still, large-syringe services exist in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which have special public health-related powers. Smaller syringe services operate elsewhere in the state, but their legal status severely hampers them, including preventing them from receiving public funding.
Under the bill passed Wednesday, the law against illegal drug paraphernalia would no longer apply to needles and syringes distributed by syringe services. Syringe services also would have to issue identification cards to those they serve, and report to the state information including how many syringes and supplies such as naloxone they distribute and how many of their clients enter treatment.
State Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Frankin County, voted against the bill, acknowledging it would do a “net good,” but saying handing people a tool of illegal drug use violates his belief “that we never do evil to achieve a good.”
Another opponent, state Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin County, said he appreciates the intent and has an open mind, but has “some outstanding concerns, both with the concept and the logistics of it.”
But he suggested his mind might change, saying “I suspect there will be consensus that is reached, if not this year, in the future as we continue to discuss this and look for solution.”
A large syringe service operates within the district of state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. She disputed claims syringe services make neighborhoods less safe and result in the proliferation of discarded needles.
Rather, they collect used needles and provide extensive outreach services, including serving as a point of contact for local residents who have a concern about someone who is addicted, she said.
“So having these services on the ground and in the community and doing this kind of work actually makes our community safer, because no longer are community members the people that need to be trying to intervene or trying to figure out how to keep their kids away from these dirty needles,” she said.
