San Diego County Supervisors overturn ban on needle exchange program
Justin Sullivan
and last updated 2021-01-26 18:45:32-05
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The county Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted 3-2 in favor of developing a needle exchange program, nullifying a 1997 board decision.
Reversing the county's 23-year-old ban, the program will create a new strategy focusing on harm reduction to prevent overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases, officials said.
Supervisors directed the chief administrative officer to present a comprehensive plan, known as the County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy, within 90 days.
Advocates say needle exchange programs reduce both HIV and Hepatitis C transmission.