Needle exchange project expanded (UK)

[Lunar Loops]

This from BBC News website:


Needle exchange project expanded

NHS Forth Valley said the exchange had been a success

The first needle exchange run by the Salvation Army is to be rolled out at branches across the United Kingdom.
The pilot project, set up in Stirling with the support of the voluntary group Signpost, has helped take extra needles off the streets, organisers said.
NHS Forth Valley said that for every batch of needles handed out to drug users, 10% more were returned for exchange.
Signpost received funding from the health authority. NHS Forth Valley health promotion officer, Elaine Cochrane, said: "This is an excellent piece of work which has been taken forward by the Salvation Army and Signpost. "The staff from both these groups have ensured that the atmosphere is non-threatening and have extended a warm welcome to substance users. This has encouraged them to take part."

[MrJim]

It's a great concept. INsite has been doing the same thing in Vancouver for years now. Be prepared for talks of shutdown every time a budget talk starts.