Health & Fitness

Falmouth Health Officials Reconsider Support For Needle Exchange

The board of health is expected to reconsider its letter of support for a needle exchange program next month.

FALMOUTH, MA – The Board of Health is examining two possible dates to reconsider its vote of support for a needle exchange program, according to the Cape Cod Times. The board will hold a meeting either Feb. 11 or 13, depending on when it can find a large enough venue.

The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod this month announced it would seek a new location in Falmouth to open its needle exchange program amid pushback from residents near East Falmouth Highway, where it had originally planned to open. The organization is working with state Rep. David Vieira, who represents Falmouth, to come up with a viable solution.

Services at the needle exchange would include access to and disposal of syringes, testing for communicable diseases, education about opiate overdoses, naloxone distribution and training, and assistance with receiving counseling, treatment and health insurance.

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The Board of Health's original letter of support in November allowed the AIDS Support Group to receive state funding, the Times reported.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Find out what's happening in Falmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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