New Location Sought For Falmouth Needle Exchange

FALMOUTH, MA – The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod said it will no longer open its needle exchange program in East Falmouth amid pushback from area residents. In a statement to the Cape Cod Times Thursday, CEO Joseph Carleo said the program's announcement "unleashed a type of anger, hatred and tumultuous behavior that we believe has made the current site unsafe for our clients, staff and other participants."

The organization will look for a new location in Falmouth, according to Carleo.

State Rep. David Vieira, who represents East Falmouth, filed legislation Thursday that would mandate a board of health vote rather than a letter of support for potential needle exchange programs. The vote would have to take place at a public meeting, and the address of the potential location would have to be made public.

Private groups that do not receive state funding would have to undergo the same approval process, according to the Cape Cod Times.

The AIDS Support Group told the Times its decision to look elsewhere was made prior to Vieira's filing.

Previously: Falmouth Health Board To Hold Public Forum On Needle Exchange

Residents Concerned About Falmouth Needle Exchange Location

Syringe Exchange Program Coming To Falmouth

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