Denver City Council Voted to HELP Drug Addicts Get New Syringes

Denver City Council’s recent vote to relax needle exchange site restrictions sparks controversy and awaits mayoral approval.

At a Glance

  • Denver City Council voted 8-5 to remove restrictions on syringe exchange programs
  • The ordinance eliminates the cap of three sites and the 1,000-foot buffer zone near schools and daycares
  • Mayor Mike Johnston has five days to approve or veto the bill
  • Proponents argue the measure will reduce disease spread and encourage treatment
  • Opponents express concerns about potential impact on communities and children

Council Votes to Expand Needle Exchange Programs

In a contentious decision, the Denver City Council has voted 8-5 to remove restrictions on syringe exchange programs within the city. The new ordinance, if approved by Mayor Mike Johnston, will eliminate the current cap of three sites and remove the 1,000-foot buffer zone previously required near schools and daycare centers. This move has ignited a debate about public health strategies and community safety.

In effect, this city council just voted to support drug use.

The measure, designed to combat the spread of diseases associated with shared needles, aims to enhance access to clean injection supplies and disposal methods. Additionally, these sites are expected to offer mental health and addiction recovery support. However, the decision has not been without its critics, who advocate for a more limited and strategically planned expansion.

Proponents Argue for Public Health Benefits

Supporters of the ordinance emphasize the potential public health benefits of expanded needle exchange programs.

These programs provide a way to dispose of used syringes, access sterile syringes, and offer resources like counseling, although they do not allow drug use on site. Preliminary data shows a staggering 597 drug overdose deaths in Denver in 2023, with nearly 400 attributed to fentanyl, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

“I don’t believe that if this bill passes — and it’s signed by our Mayor — that anything is going to change in your life. Unless one of your relatives who’s on the edge happens to get a clean needle and stays alive long enough to get into treatment,” Councilman Paul Kashmann said.

Proponents argue that syringe access programs not only reduce the risk of disease transmission but also encourage treatment for substance abuse and potentially decrease drug injection rates. Currently, three syringe exchanges operate in Denver, regulated by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, with two operating since 2012.

Opposition Voices Concerns

Despite the measure’s passage, several council members and community members have expressed reservations. The removal of the distance requirement from schools and daycares has been a particular point of contention. District 9 Councilmember Darrell Watson, who voted against the ordinance, cited community feedback as the basis for his opposition.

“Needle exchange does work. Our communities have been clear that removing the distance restriction is something that they do not support,” Watson stated.

Similarly, District 5 Councilmember Amanda Sawyer voted against the measure due to negative community feedback about a needle exchange site in her district. Critics argue that the removal of buffer zones could potentially expose children to drug-related activities and paraphernalia.

How are we even talking about this? Who in their right mind could ever advocate for this?