KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo City Commission has passed an ordinance lifting a ban on Needle Exchange Programs, allowing drug addicts to exchange used syringes for clean ones.
At Monday night’s meeting, citizen commentary was divided, with some arguing that it will make addiction problems worse by enabling the behavior, while supporters argued that it would help reduce health risks while promoting treatment education.
Kalamazoo-area doctor William Nettleton spoke in favor of the program which his says will help prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV in addition to offering further treatment.
The ordinance does not allow for Needle Exchange Programs to set up in Kalamazoo right away, as the organizations would still need to apply and go through legal channels to do so.
Commissioner David Anderson clarified that any program has to come back to them for approval before they begin any process moving forward.
Any approved organization would still be required to provide data periodically to show how well the program is working in the community.
Grand Rapids, Detroit, and other Michigan cities already have similar programs in place.
(copy written by Will Kriss)
