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Data Could Drive Future of GF Syringe Program

By Doug Barrett Jan 23, 2024 | 8:47 AM

The future of the Syringe Service Program in Grand Forks is still somewhat unclear.

A motion before the Grand Forks council last night to scrap the program failed on a tie 3-3 vote.

The Committee of the Whole action will now come before the regular council meeting in a couple of weeks.
Critics says by providing needles…Narcan…bandages…and condoms the program condones intravenous drug use.

Several council members expressed frustration by the lack of local data to support the program. Supporters say the no questions asked policy is what makes the program work. Council member Ken Vien says there must be a way to find some middle ground.  “I don’t necessarily feel good that we are creating sides on something so critical like this.  Can we work towards some level of solution?  There has got to be some way we can have to have a better way to validate.”

Last week the Grand Forks County Commission voted 3-2 to urge the city scrap the needle exchange program.

 

Chart:  GFPH

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