Title
A Resolution authorizing and granting consent for the creation and operation of a Hypodermic Needle and Syringe Exchange Program by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. [Council Office, Maynard]
Body
WHEREAS, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is greatly concerned about the drug and heroin epidemic and the risks connected with intravenous drug use in our community; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that the lack of sterile needles available on the streets and the existence of laws restricting needle availability promote needle sharing, and consequently the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C among injection drug users. The sharing of contaminated needles is the primary means of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission within the injection drug user population; and
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2015, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted legislation that included giving municipalities the authority to operate a substance abuse treatment outreach program that includes a needles and syringes exchange component, through the local health department; and
WHEREAS, the amendment of KRS 218A.500(5)(b) requires that the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council give consent for the operation and/or management of a hypodermic needle and syringe exchange program; and
WHEREAS, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council believes that a hypodermic needle and syringe exchange program would greatly decrease the risk of spreading infectious diseases through the availability of clean hypodermic needles and syringes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council hereby authorizes and grants consent to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department to create and operate a substance abuse treatment outreach program that allows participants to exchange hypodermic needles and syringes.
Section 2- That this Resolution shall ...
Click here for full text