AG Curtis Hill: Wayne County’s experience demonstrates dangers of so-called ‘needle exchange’

0

n the aftermath of Marion County’s decision to allow distribution of clean needles to illegal drug users, Attorney General Curtis Hill said communities statewide should consider the recent experiences of Wayne County.

As reported by media in Richmond, Ind., Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman has documented at least one fatal overdose in which a needle from the county’s exchange program was apparently used in causing the person’s death. He has also documented unauthorized street sales of such needles, which can be sold for up to $2 per needle. Authorities discovered one drug user to be in possession of approximately 100 unused needles from the exchange program that the user obtained secondhand.

“Those who advocate handing out free needles to substance abusers are no doubt well-intentioned individuals,” Attorney General Hill said. “Too often, however, they overlook the unintended consequences of these needle handouts – namely, the continued risks of dying from overdose and all the other ills that accompany substance abuse and addiction. While we should always work to mitigate risks of contracting contagious diseases, we must focus greater attention on helping these individuals overcome the root problems of substance abuse and addiction.”

Attached is an op-ed the Attorney General wrote last August expressing his views on so-called needle exchange.