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Public Safety Committee

Regular Meeting

Charleston, WV · March 30, 2021

AgendaPacketMinutes

Minutes

MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING 5:00 P. M., MARCH 30, 2021 Keeley Steele, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Public Safety to order at 5:00 p.m., MARHC 30, 2021 in West Hall 1 of the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, and was made available as a live stream via Zoom per the agenda. Committee Members Present: Keeley Steele, Chair Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair Pat Jones Bruce King Deanna McKinney Shannon Snodgrass Tiffany Wesley-Plear Other Councilmembers Present: Adam Knauff Jennifer Pharr 1. Approval of Previous Minutes – Councilmember Snodgrass moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 2-24-2021. Councilmember King seconded the motion. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 1 2. To Review the Results of the Survey – The results of the survey can be viewed https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=1220&key=-1&mod=- 1&mk=-1&nov=0 and will be made available upon request to the Clerk’s Office Councilmember King stated that the results of the survey speak for itself. He appreciated the time of those involved that completed the survey. Councilmember Snodgrass noted that  86.76% of the respondents do not believe that the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston.  83% believe that the Health Department’s needle program led to an increase in crime.  89.7% believed tat needle programs increase the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public, Refuse employees and First Responders.  89.7% believed that needle programs increase syringe litter throughout the community.  83% believed that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City from outside areas.  88.9% believed that participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program.  91.9% believed that participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones.  83.8% did not believe that additional needle programs are needed within the City.  52.2% had not been asked for their opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston.  16.9% have been stuck by a needle in the course of their work.  77.9% know how to properly handle a syringe needle. Councilmember Snodgrass added that it is imperative that they listen to their first responders. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that while all the responses were from City workers, there really wasn’t a breakdown of how many from each department there were. Some professions are more exposed than others. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that was also a difference in the Health Department’s program in 2018 versus recently. Councilmember Steele added that according to the HR reports that she received (dating from 2015), the majority of incidents involving needles came from Refuse. She added that the source of those discarded needles (from diabetics, drug use or other) is not known. The second highest degree of incidents were from the CPD (none reported in 2016). There were no reported incidents from the Fire Department since 2015. Councilmember Wesley-Plear stated that it is important to note that 77.9% knew how to properly handle a syringe needle, because education is important and should continue. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that the additional comments were important to read. 2 Councilmember Jones added that the locations of reported needles were important. Councilmember King added that there had been comments about how 2/3 of the employees did not respond. In any survey, a 30% response rate is astronomical, adding that the WV Drug Institute’s response rate was much lower. Councilmember Jones read 2 responses:  Don't hand them out, period. Let's just use common sense on this, more needles will do more harm than good. People that have no idea what PD deals with can't understand how big a problem this is. Come join me on one of my frequent abandoned house searches where there are needles left laying [sic] around like cigarette butts, not one or two but literally dozens of open dirty needles. The individuals in support of this need to stop and think for a moment…  Supporting the needle exchange is a punch in the gut to law enforcement and emergency responders. It’s a heartless and thoughtless thing to do regarding the individuals that have been stuck by a dirty needle as well as a slap in the face of their family. Let’s put our time and effort and money into healing individuals from their addictions instead of condoning it. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that there were also responses using terms like “junkies.” At the last meeting, they heard from representatives of some groups using this kind of terminology. There needs to be a mindset change to understand that they are dealing with people on both sides, and they need to not be biased. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that she would have wanted to know the circumstance around the responders finding the needles and/or being stuck by a needle. 3. Bill No. 7893 - A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations. Councilmember Steele asked City Attorney, Kevin Baker, to give an overview of the bill. Baker stated that the bill eliminates sections related to the Chief of Police being able to sponsor, approve and participate in needle exchange programs, and authorizing the Chief of Police to create rules related to needle exchange programs. The bill increases the penalty for violation of the ordinance. Section 78-381 would make it unlawful for any person to distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles or other similar objects used or designed for injecting substances into the human body without obtaining and having certification as a harm reduction program from the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health and any licenses required under State law to do so. Section 78-382 specifies that every person under the organization shall comply with all applicable state regulations. 3 Baker noted that there was currently a bill in Legislature that addresses similar topics, which will be resolved in approximately 10 days. If that bill were to pass, it would go to the Governor for signature or veto. Baker added that his genal legal advice would be to wait to see what the State does. Councilmembers Snodgrass and King stated that this was a City matter. Baker replied that the current City law was drafted incorrectly as it relates to State law. Councilmember McKinney requested that Baker be allowed to finish speaking. Baker continued that if the bill in front of Legislature passes, it would require programs to be licensed with the West Virginia Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification not with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health as Bill No. 7893 currently states. Councilmember Snodgrass confirmed with Baker that if the State passed their bill (and the bill is more restrictive), then it would supersede the City’s less restrictive bill. Baker clarified that if the State bill requires a license by the West Virginia Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification and the City requires certification from the DHHR, then it would not match under the law. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that they should address things that are happening today, not many months from now. Baker added that the State has to act by April 10th. Councilmember King submitted an amendment to Bill No. 7893 (additionally supported by Councilmembers Snodgrass and Jones), adding that a number a survey responses mentioned that they would like a 1:1 program model, to track the needles that are distributed, and for participants to see a medical provider at every visit. On Page 2, Section 78-382, at Line 35, after the word “regulations.”, by inserting the following: “In addition, every Harm Reduction Program operating within the City of Charleston shall (1) receive one returned syringe for every syringe it distributes; (2) maintain a confidential list of the number of syringes dispensed and returned by the program participant for every visit; (3) individually mark each syringe it dispenses with identifying information that clearly and unambiguously allows for the identification of each syringe dispensed by the program that dispensed it; and (4) document at every visit that each participant was offered medical services, including mental, behavioral health, and drug treatment services, by a licensed or certified health care provider.” Councilmember Wesley-Plear wanted to know if the needle identification would be connected to the participant or the program. Councilmember King answered that it would be identified by the program. Councilmember Snodgrass motioned to approve the amendment. A roll was taken: Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, King, McKinney, Snodgrass, Wesley-Plear Nays: Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the amendment was approved. 4 Councilmember Wesley-Plear submitted an amendment to Bill No. 7893 as amended, adding that the intent is that hospitals are not included under the rules are they are equipped to handle it. On Page 1, Section 78-381, at Line 30, after the period, by inserting the following: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, a hospital licensed by the West Virginia Department of Heath and Humans Resources’ Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification is exempt from the requirements of this article.” Councilmember Snodgrass asked if Councilmember Wesley-Plear wrote the amendment. Councilmember Wesley-Plear replied that she did not, but she worked with the City Attorney to write it after having conversations with Matt Sutton and Baker. While she did not initiate it, she fully supports the proposed amendment. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that the previous amendment was proposed due to the feedback from the public and survey that there needed to be accountability (coding the needles, seeing a medical provider, etc.). She added that the proposed amendment would allow hospitals to choose whether or not to do those things. Councilmember McKinney stated that they should be discussing the merits of the amendment, not where it came from. Councilmember Jones stated that he did not understand why a hospital would have to have a different set of rules. Councilmember McKinney asked why a hospital would not act responsibly. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that a hospital would also have more resources, such as mental health and a variety of substance abuse programs to offer. She added that she would feel comfortable having a hospital in charge of those programs and would not question their medical expertise. Councilmember King asked what would prevent a hospital from contracting with a third party for a harm reduction program. Councilmember Wesley-Plear replied that they shouldn’t be prevented from partnering with a third party, adding that if they are partnering, then they would be held liable. Councilmember King replied that did not have anything to do with the language of the bill as amended. Councilmember Snodgrass added that in 2015, Council allowed medical professionals to run a harm reduction program and it was a disaster to the community. Councilmember McKinney stated that there was no way a hospital would hand out needles without additionally offering other avenues of help. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that a hospital should comply with the rules as stated in the bill. Councilmember Jones asked if the Cabin Creek Clinic was considered a hospital. Baker added that the Office of Health Facility Licensure website lists: CAMC, Thomas, Highland and the Surgical Center as listed as hospitals in Kanawha County. Councilmember Overstreet stated that his major concern is for the 1:1 exchange. He would prefer that all entities be required to follow the guidelines rather than trust that they will. Councilmember McKinney added that the point is that there is accountability. Councilmember King stated that the requirements should be for everyone. Councilmember Stelle added that Bill No. 7893 as amended would preclude hospitals from participating in a harm reduction program and ssp, but it wouldn’t allow them any 5 more leeway than what the amendment states. Councilmember Wesley-Plear motion to approve the amendment to Bill No. 7893 as amended. Councilmember Steele seconded. A roll call was taken: Yeas: McKinney, Steele, Wesley-Plear Nays: Overstreet, Jones, King, Snodgrass With the Nays being in the majority, the amendment was not approved. Baker suggested that the amendment be worked into the bill as a Committee Substitute. Councilmember King motioned to approve Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute. Councilmember Snodgrass seconded. A roll call was taken: Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, King, McKinney, Snodgrass Nays: Steele, Wesley-Plear With the Yeas being in the majority, Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute was approved. Councilmember McKinney motioned to adjourn. Councilmember Wesley-Plear seconded. Meeting adjourned. 6 Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend and reenact Sections 78-381, 78- 382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston and to repeal Sections 78-396 and 78-397 of said Code, all relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; creating certain requirements for Harm Reduction Programs operating within the City; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston: That Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston is amended and reenacted, and that Sections 78-396 and 78-397 of said Code are repealed, all to read as follows: Subdivision II. - Sale, Marketing, and Distribution of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Sec. 78-381. - Sale, marketing and distribution Distribution of hypodermic needles; state license certification required. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons as principal, clerk, agent, or servant or otherwise acting individually or on behalf of any entity, organization or group to sell, market, or distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed for injecting substances into the human body, without obtaining and having certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and any and all licenses required under state law to do so: except that, items distributed by or exchanged at a needle exchange program sponsored or approved by the Chief of Police of the Charleston Police Department, as provided by Subdivision III herein, are thereby approved and are not unlawful. Sec. 78-382. - Compliance with state law and regulations. Every person, entity, organization, or group certified or licensed to sell, market, or distribute hypodermic needles shall comply with all applicable state law and regulations. In addition, every Harm Reduction Program operating within the City of Charleston shall (1) receive one returned syringe for every syringe it distributes; (2) maintain a confidential list of the number of syringes dispensed and returned by the program participant for every visit; (3) individually mark each syringe it dispenses with identifying information that clearly and unambiguously allows for the identification of each syringe dispensed by the program that dispensed it; and (4) document at every visit that each participant was offered medical services, including mental, behavioral health, and drug treatment services, by a licensed or certified health care provider. Subdivision III. - Needle Exchange Program 7 Sec. 78-383. - Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this subdivision shall, if convicted, be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined not less than five hundred ten dollars nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars for the first offense and succeeding offenses. Each day that such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. Sec. 78-396. - Needle exchange program authorized. The City of Charleston, by and through its Chief of Police, may sponsor, approve, or participate in a program or programs within the City of Charleston for the distribution or exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed for injecting substances into the human body. Sec. 78-397. – Rules and regulations; Chief of Police authorized. The Chief of Police of the City of Charleston Police Department is authorized to promulgate reasonable rules or regulations deemed necessary to implement and administer a program within the City of Charleston provided for in Section 78-396 for the distribution or exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed for injecting substances into the human body. 8

Agenda

10 CITY OF CHARLESTON West Virginia Council Member – 10th WARD Keeley Steele Public Safety Committee, Chair 1600 Washington St. E Ordinance and Rules Committee Charleston, WV 25311 Telephone: 304‐250‐9463 E‐mail: keeleysteele@gmail.com TO: Public Safety Committee FROM: Keeley Steele, Chair RE: Committee Meeting THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1 Charleston, WV There will be a Committee meeting of Public Safety on March 30, 2021 at5:00 PM *Join via internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87829896663?pwd=NXNqUStMRHdTR3FNOUVTYzNiMlo1dz09 Passcode: 721357 *Join via Phone: 301‐715‐8592 or 312‐626‐6799 Webinar ID: 878 2989 6663 Agenda APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 1. 2‐24‐2021 TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY 1. Attachments BILLS 1. Bill No. 7893 ‐ A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations. ADJOURNMENT KS/ns

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10 CITY OF CHARLESTON West Virginia Council Member – 10th WARD Keeley Steele Public Safety Committee, Chair 1600 Washington St. E Ordinance and Rules Committee Charleston, WV 25311 Telephone: 304‐250‐9463 E‐mail: keeleysteele@gmail.com TO: Public Safety Committee FROM: Keeley Steele, Chair RE: Committee Meeting THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1 Charleston, WV There will be a Committee meeting of Public Safety on March 30, 2021 at5:00 PM *Join via internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87829896663?pwd=NXNqUStMRHdTR3FNOUVTYzNiMlo1dz09 Passcode: 721357 *Join via Phone: 301‐715‐8592 or 312‐626‐6799 Webinar ID: 878 2989 6663 Agenda APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 1. 2‐24‐2021 TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY 1. Attachments BILLS 1. Bill No. 7893 ‐ A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations. ADJOURNMENT Page | 1 of KS/ns Page | 2 of MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30 P. M., FEBRUARY 24, 2021 *IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA). Keeley Steele, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Public Safety to order at 5:30 p.m., FEBRUARY 24, 2021. Committee Members Present: Keeley Steele, Chair Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair Pat Jones Bruce King Deanna McKinney Shannon Snodgrass Tiffany Wesley-Plear *The link to the video of the full meeting is provided in the minutes. A link to download the file will be made available upon request to the Clerk’s Office. Timestamps will be noted for each section for anyone wishing to view the full record. https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=1199&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0 1. Approval of Previous Minutes – 0:06:27-0:06:56 Councilmember King moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 2-24- 2021. Councilmember McKinney seconded the motion. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 1 Page | 3 of 2. To Hear from Invited Panelists – 0:07:10-1:36:33 Councilmember Steele stated that they will be hearing from 7 invited speakers. With the exception of Dr. Daskalakis, they will hear from all panelists before having a question- and-answer session.  Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, CDC – Presentation: 0:07:10-0:33:28 Discussion: 0:33:29-0:56:38 Dr. Daskalakis gave a presentation to the Committee concerning responding to HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs. Councilmember McKinney asked if his presentation was about needle exchange or harm reduction. Dr. Daskalakis replied that harm reduction taken broadly means strategies that can reduce the risk of infectious disease and other complications for people who inject drugs. He believes it is a toolkit to interrupting HIV transmission (including testing, medications and syringe availability), adding that they all work together. A holistic approach to harm reduction is important, however, there are issues getting people who inject drugs into care and services. The idea is to use the toolkit to lead to the other services that are critical, such as through HIV testing intervention that includes an assessment for other social needs, through treatment connected to medical services including comprehensive medical health and a trust in individuals that provide those gateway services (which could be a syringe service program). Councilmember Steele asked if he was familiar with the program in Cabell County. Dr. Daskalakis replied that he couldn’t speak specifically about various programs, but he could say that the toolkit for Campbell County revolved around launching a full toolkit of strategies to interrupt HIV transmission. Councilmember Overstreet stated that he had spoken with the Fire Chief from Huntington in Cabell County and they have a one-to-one needle exchange program, and confirmed that Dr. Daskalakis had previously stated that their HIV cases were decreasing. Councilmember Snodgrass asked who had previously invited him to Charleston for his initial presentation earlier in the year. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the invitation came from the Chief of Staff of the Mayor’s Office. She asked for clarification at the end of his written presentation which states that the findings are the views of the authors and not necessarily the CDC. Dr. Daskalakis replied that it is standard language to include because he is speaking extemporaneously. However, the current technology he is presenting is a toolkit that is recommended by the CDC. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that when looking at population, West Virginia has proportionally way more needle exchange programs (13) than states with larger populations (such a Florida with around 4). She asked if he thought there was correlation between more needle use and HIV cases. Dr. Daskalakis added that different jurisdictions will have different needs; the vulnerably for HIV outbreaks is also a consideration not just the size of the population in an apples-to-apples comparison. The history in West Virginia shows that there is a vulnerability. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if accountability would be key for 2 Page | 4 of tracing, testing etc. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the first step to achieving epidemic/outbreak control is to establish trust and creating an environment where individuals feel they can pursue care. In general, mandatory testing/strategies don’t do much beyond pushing HIV further underground. He added that having accountability is to identify strategies that are appropriate for an area and its culture to launch all of the science in a way to prevent HIV transmission and ultimately provide people with the care they need to potentially lead them to drug treatment. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked what are the must-haves for the toolbox. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the 3 he presented are the ones that are needed to interrupt/control an outbreak: diagnose (inventive and creative ways to improve testing), treatment (it keeps people healthy and prevents HIV transmission) and create an environment where syringes are available through a comprehensive program (so that individuals have access to clean equipment). Councilmember Jones referenced a letter sent to the Committee from Heath Right that operates a comprehensive harm reduction program. He asked how many such programs are needed in a city the size of Charleston. Dr. Daskalakis replied that he couldn’t comment on any specific programs, but when looking at an outbreak scenario (which the City is currently having), it is critical to not say that 1 program is enough until the outbreak is controlled. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if he got paid to come to Charleston. Dr. Daskalakis replied no. She asked if he usually brings in the crime factor. Dr. Daskalakis replied that when they talk about syringe service programs people often ask if they increase crime, so that is commonly included in the presentation. That data is obtained from multiple sources, including Baltimore and New York. Councilmember King asked if the CDC tracks the number of overdoses that occur from needles provided by SSPs. Dr. Daskalakis replied that they cannot track an overdose based on the syringe used. Councilmember King asked if the CDC tracked lives saved by naloxone doses given by SSPs. Dr. Daskalakis replied that it is hard to directly connect a naloxone dose with prevention at the CDC level, but can be tracked locally. Councilmember King asked if the numbers were total cases in Kanawha County or only from intravenous drug use. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the numbers he presented were related to injection drugs, but the number of total cases can be obtained from the State. Councilmember Steele asked on behalf of another Councilmember if most of the programs he had spoken about all over the country were overseen by medical directors. Dr. Daskalakis replied that there is a lot of variability (some are and some are not). 3 Page | 5 of  Dr. Christine Teague, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - 0:56:39-1:08:13 Dr. Tate explained that the Ryan White Care Act provides federal funding for comprehensive patient care, support and early intervention services (including outreach, education, testing and linkage to care) regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.  Dr. Susan Bissett, WV Drug Intervention Institute - 1:08:14-1:15:09 Dr. Bissett explained that the Institute’s mission is to reduce overdose deaths due to opioids and drugs in West Virginia through advocacy, prevention, education, research and collaboration. She discussed their recently completed public survey that analyzed community opinions and perceptions on SUD, harm reduction and syringe exchange, specifically in Kanawha County.  Eric Smith, President of the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police - 1:15:10-1:21:04 Smith gave the Committee an overview of his background as a retired Police Officer. He stated that the issue is with SOAR and their needle distribution, and expressed concern over needle litter and accidental needle sticks.  Jennifer Depond, RN - 1:21:05-1:32:04 Depond shared with the Committee her experience as a nurse that cares for pregnant women with substance abuse disorders, particularly as to how it effects children. She added that comprehensive care is vital.  Shawn Wanner, Fire Chief, Charleston - 1:32:05-1:34:19 Chief Wanner stated that their biggest concern was needle litter. He could not support an agency handing out needles, unless it was a controlled exchange program that had accountability.  Emily Hannah, Director of the Mayor’s CARE Office - 1:34:20-1:36:33 Hannah spoke to the Committee about potential survey questions she had submitted to the Committee at the request of the Chair. She added that the CARE Office houses the Quick Response Team, the Homeless Outreach Coordinator and the Mental Health Coordinator. In her opinion, a survey that creates a foundation to allow for further information sharing and collaboration would be helpful as opposed to just an up/down on the issue. 3. Question and Answer with Panelists – 1:36:34-2:40:03 Councilmember McKinney stated that she thought they were there to discuss harm reduction, but everything she had heard from the panelists concerned needle exchange. Councilmember Steele replied that the bill that was introduced specifically takes up syringe service programs, not the entirety of harm reduction. She added that while there needs to be an overarching conversation, the survey questions are meant to specifically survey first responders, public grounds and refuse workers about their feelings about syringe service programs. The bill was first enacted in 2015 when the program first 4 Page | 6 of began, and was amended in 2018. It was decided that it would be best to reexamine that bill in light of current events and organizations operating within the City. Councilmember McKinney stated that it was disrespectful to spend all this time on only one piece. Councilmember Steele added that syringe programs have to go through a certification process. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that she would like to draft a bill with Councilmember McKinney to address the remainder of harm reduction. Councilmember Steele asked Dr. Bisset if she would do any part of the survey differently. Charlee Fox, also with the WVDII, conducted the meta-analysis that helped them develop the questions. She replied that she would add race as a demographic component to the survey. Fox added that similar surveys averaged around 4 questions, so she was satisfied with their choice of 6 questions. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that she would probably disagree on their conclusion that the majority of people believed that there should be more needle exchange programs from the question “Do you believe there needs to be more resources?” Dr. Bissett replied that she was probably looking at 2 different questions. From the resource question Councilmember Snodgrass referenced, it was obvious that people felt there was not enough adequate resources particularly during the listening sessions. Their conclusion came from the survey question “Do you believe there should be needle exchange programs in your community?” Councilmember Snodgrass replied that the average citizen of the population didn’t take this survey. Dr. Bisset stated that they could only report from who responded, and that it was also mentioned during 2 Council meetings and 2 Public Safety meetings. Fox added that most other surveys are also open a lot longer (2-4 months) as opposed to their time constraint of 2 weeks. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked how long it took them to analyze their data. Fox replied that she worked anywhere from 10-14 hours a day, 5 days a week, for about 3 weeks. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if they had a way of blocking an IP address from taking the survey again. Dr. Bisset replied that it wouldn’t block multiple IPs, but they could be removed during data analysis. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that citizens cared about fire, police and roads. There is a population that is in long-term iv-drug abuse, and she would hope that they can get into rehab instead of encouraging long-term addiction. She added that the former needle exchange program at the Kanawha-Charleston Heath Department became a needle distribution program. Smith added that they would finding needles everywhere. In response to Councilmember Snodgrass, Smith and Lieutenant Myron Boggess (CFD) both agreed that more people were attracted to the City directly because of that needle exchange program. Boggess was not able to recall offhand the number of house fires for those years, adding that most of the house fires for the current year did not seem to come from abandoned houses. Boggess added that when they did respond to fires at abandoned houses, they had to sweep the floor with water to wash away the needles, but that has not been as much of a trend after Health Right took over and there was more accountability. 5 Page | 7 of Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if that trend had recently started again, and Boggess replied that they had started to see that again although perhaps not as bad as previously. Smith agreed. Councilmember King added that, during the time Kanawha County Health Department was operating their program, Charleston was the only municipality within Kanawha County that allowed needle exchanges. He asked if they recalled an increase in people coming to Charleston during that time to commit crimes, etc. Smith replied that people from other counties (Logan, Mingo, etc.) specifically said they came to Charleston because of the needle distribution. Smith added that the homeless population skyrocketed during the same time as that program. Smith could not say if it also attracted drug dealers. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if given that illegal drugs were going into needles that had been distributed, did they think that would lead to a rise in crime. Smith replied yes, that drugs and crime go hand and hand. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if needle distribution and increase in crime was a risk to Officers. Smith replied that the CPD had more Officers shot at and had shot more people since 2017 than in his entire 21-year career. From the audience, Councilmember Pharr asked had they had noticed if needles and syringes were found concentrated more in one part of town over another. Boggess replied that he couldn’t accurately answer that because he is stationed in one part of town, but needles are very present in the West Side/North Charleston area. Councilmember Pharr asked if they saw families (when responding to fires). Boggess replied that he wasn’t sure, but he did know that they did respond to a lot of overdoses in the area in occupied homes. He added that they also responded to a tremendous amount of them well in boarded-up properties. He added that they have responded to situations with children and family members present. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if having drug paraphernalia was an arrestable offense. Smith replied not for syringes; however, it is in other cities. Smith added that he had anecdotally heard that people know this and come to Charleston for that reason. Councilmember Wesley-Plear stated that they should remember that they are discussing people that have a chronic disease, and to be respectful of that they need to lessen the stigma to truly do their part to improve their community. Councilmember Steel agreed, and added that they need to be mindful of the language and terminology they use when they are talking about people in active addiction. Councilmember Steele confirmed that Smith was speaking for the membership of the Fraternal Order of the Police, not the Police Department (although the Order encompasses about 95% of the Police Department as well as 12 other Departments). Councilmember Wesley-Plear confirmed with Smith that the Order is an additional organization (by application with dues), and that firefighters agree that there needs to be some sort of program like Health Right or hospital care for getting people help. He added that there needs to be accountability to any such program. 6 Page | 8 of Councilmember King asked Depond to explain what happens to a newborn when they are born in relation to addiction. Depond replied that 40-60% of babies born to opiate- dependent mothers experience withdrawal. For mothers that used stimulants, babies are high need (crying, jittery don’t eat normally, etc.). She added that it is traumatizing to experience a newborn going through withdrawal. There is not a lot of long-term data available. Depond added that babies may go through their treatment and into a home still with needs. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked how to better build trust so that people can get help. Dr. Teague replied that it comes back to meeting people where they are (access and be present with them). She added there is huge mistrust in the medical community. She added that SOAR is one of the few ways that she has been able to engage with the people she has been tasked to take care of, because that is where she frequently sees people that she only previously saw briefly before they were discharged. It affords her the opportunity to provide education and other options. Dr. Teague added that she works with both SSPs, and that she thinks there is room for improvement in both areas. Her concern with Health Right is that they have turned people away because they are on probation for not returning the correct number of needles. She would like to see a solution to the waste that is being seen. While there does need to be accountability, she does not think they are meeting the full needs of the people. She would like to have the Health Right program improved and replicated on the West Side. Councilmember McKinney asked if it was appropriate (for a program) to go into a community without introducing themselves. Dr. Teague replied that it would have been best. While she does not represent SOAR, she did not think it was done with an intent to be deceptive. Councilmember McKinney asked if Dr. Teague was over SOAR, how would she have introduced it to the community and to what type of accountability would she hold herself. Dr. Teague replied that she would come to them (presumably, Councilmembers) explaining that they would like to come in and develop a program, asking for their input and volunteers. Councilmember Pharr confirmed that Dr. Teague had previously stated data of 25% African American and female and 75% white and male were from all of their enrolled patients from their service area of 19 counties pre-2018. Since 2018, an overwhelming number of their new cases are white male. She added that there is a high stigma in the African American community to be tested. Councilmember McKinney asked what where the next steps after testing. Dr. Teague replied that they do rapid testing with double confirmation. They also try to do immediate medical care while they are with them. Councilmember McKinney asked how effective the testing was as well as getting people to come back to get treatment. Dr. Teague replied that there had been 8 identified positives over the 3-month period, adding that the numbers dropped overall once the investigation started. Of those 8, 1 has since passed away, 2-3 have returned to the clinic at least once and they have been unable to locate 3 (but if they return, they will be remembered and encouraged to get treatment). Dr. Teague shared a success story with the Committee that showed that having a 7 Page | 9 of presence and patience is key. Councilmember Steele asked on behalf on a Councilmember not present if given the changes in HIV cases, if there was talk within her program to start any type of syringe exchange program. Dr. Teague replied that she felt that at a minimum, as an HIV service provider, they needed to be able to make sure the people that they identify as positive be given syringes, but they had not been given approval to do that. Councilmember Pharr stated she felt like the African American community is not part of this outreach, and would suggest that her group partner with some African American organizations. Dr. Teague agreed, and added that they had previously worked with the Partnership for African American Churches. Councilmember Pharr asked on behalf of a Councilmember not present where the needs-based program on the West Side Dr. Teague previously referenced was located. Dr. Teague replied that she was referring to SOAR. Councilmember Pharr asked Dr. Bisset, concerning the last question of the Research Conclusions Section, if “addict” is considered stigma-laden language. Dr. Bisset replied that technically it is, along with “junkie”. Appropriate terms would be “person in active addiction” or “person struggling with addiction.” Councilmember Pharr added that she struggles with that since “addict” comes from “addiction.” Dr. Bisset stated that it is considered a best practice from the NIH, the CDC and SAMHSA in an effort to make the person seem more human and more than their addiction. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that it is important to her to use terminology that is respectful. 4. Recess Councilmember Overstreet motioned to recess for 5 minutes. Councilmember McKinney seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, Councilmember Steele declared the Committee in Recess. Councilmember McKinney motioned to reconvince the meeting. Councilmember Snodgrass seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, Councilmember Steele declared the Committee reconvened. 5. To Take Up Survey Questions – 2:41:26-3:32:05 Councilmember Steele explained that the Committee had before them 2 sets of recommended questions provided by Councilmember King and Emily Hannah, CARES Director, to use as a starting point. Councilmember Steele added that, in her research, it seemed like the less questions the better. Councilmember Steele added that the survey will have to go through the City’s IS Department, and that they are short-staffed at the moment. Councilmember Snodgrass added that the questions submitted by 8 Page | 10 of Councilmember King have been vetted by the Chiefs of Fire and Police and the Directors of Refuse and Public Grounds. She added that they wanted the questions to be Yes or No to be able to represent all employees. Councilmember Steele added that she had a problem allowing the general group of people that the survey is for to approve the survey questions. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that the Committee suggested that they go to the Departments to do that. Councilmember Steele stated that her suggestion was to ask how the survey might get done, not for them to ok the actual questions. Councilmember Snodgrass added that it will be going to the employees that they supervise. Councilmember Steele asked who came up with the questions, and Councilmember King replied that he and Councilmember Snodgrass did. Councilmember King motioned to vote on all of the questions he submitted as a whole. Councilmember Snodgrass seconded the motion. Councilmember McKinney stated that they are supposed to be doing something for the community, and everyone on the Committee should be able to agree, disagree or amend on each question. Councilmember Steele asked for clarification as to which Department Heads they spoke with, who had questions and who did not respond. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that after the last Public Safety meeting, they were able to get the resolution approved and did not want to have to wait many more weeks. She stated that she spoke to the Fire Chief, the Police Chief and Brent Webster (Public Works) mainly to make sure the questions were written as to be appropriate for their employees. She added that they didn’t comment one way or the other. Councilmember Overstreet stated that he thought it was suggested at the last meeting they should consult the Department Heads. Councilmember McKinney added that she thought they were going to get their opinions on how to do the survey and the Committee would create the questions. Councilmember King withdrew his motion. Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested that the questions that mention the Health Department’s needle program be taken out because of the turnover in Refuse means that most employees wouldn’t have been there in 2018 and wouldn’t necessarily know about it. Councilmember Snodgrass replied they could then choose to answer “Don’t Know.” Councilmember Snodgrass added that it is a reference point when talking about needle exchange programs. 9 Page | 11 of  “Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program in 2018 was good for the City of Charleston?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. The Committee agreed to strike “in 2018.” Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees, and first responders performing their job duties?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Councilmember Wesley-Plear requested that the “and” be changed to “or.” The Committee agreed. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: None With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.  “Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved. 10 Page | 12 of  “Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?” Councilmember King motioned to vote for approval of the question. Councilmember Steele suggested that they put “all” in front of “used.” Councilmember McKinney suggested that “to receive new ones” be removed. Councilmember Steele suggested changing “needle exchange program” to “syringe service program.” The Committee did not agree to any proposed changes, and the question was voted on as originally read. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: None With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.  “Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, McKinney Nays: Steele, King With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved. 11 Page | 13 of  “Have you personally, do you work with, or do you know of someone who has been accidently pricked by a discarded needle?” Councilmember Jones suggested to remove “have you personally.” Councilmember Steele suggested the question be “Have you ever had to have an HIV test, or know of anyone who has, because of being pricked by a discarded needle.” Councilmember McKinney suggested to remove “HIV” from Councilmember Steele’s suggestion. Councilmember Steele suggested that the question be discarded. Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested that the question read “Have you been accidently pricked by a discarded needle in Charleston?” The Committee decided to vote on that change. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: Steele With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.  “Have you ever encountered discarded needles personally or while on the job or on a call?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney Nays: None With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.  “Do you feel comfortable publicly stating your opinion regarding needle exchange programs?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Yeas: None Nays: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, Steele, King, McKinney With the Nays being unanimous, the question was not approved.  “Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?” Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question. Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested the question replace “Have you personally, do you work with, or do you know of someone who has been accidently pricked by a discarded needle?” The Committee agreed to the change.  “Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?” The Committee was satisfied with the question.  “Are you interested in information about proper disposal?” The Committee did not want to include the question. 12 Page | 14 of  “Provide your thoughts on how syringes and syringe litter affect your professional duties.” The Committee did not want to include the question.  “What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?” The Committee agreed for this to be the last question.  “Where do you encounter syringes? (i.e., bagged garbage, street litter, pat down, overdoses, etc.)” Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested replacing this question with “Have you ever encountered discarded needles personally or while on the job or on a call?” The Committee agreed.  “Describe your understanding of harm reduction and syringe programs.” The Committee did not want to include the question.  “Are you interested in education and training on harm reduction and syringe programs?” The Committee did not want to include the question. Councilmember Jones motioned to accept the questions as discussed (reproduced below). Councilmember Wesley-Plear seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, the questions were approved. Councilmember Jones motioned to adjourn. Councilmember McKinney seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned. 13 Page | 15 of Survey Questions 1. Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW 2. Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW 3. Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? a. INCREASE or DECREASE 4. Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? a. INCREASE or DECREASE 5. Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW 6. Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? a. YES or NO 7. Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? a. YES or NO 8. Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? a. YES or NO 9. Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? a. YES or NO 10. Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? a. YES or NO 11. Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? a. YES or NO 12. What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? 13. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? 14 Page | 16 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Results Survey 768644 Number of records in this query: 136 Total records in survey: 136 Percentage of total: 100.00% page 1 / 23 Page | 17 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for Good Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 8 5.88% No (A2) 118 86.76% Don't know (A3) 3 2.21% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 2 / 23 Page | 18 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for Good Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? page 3 / 23 Page | 19 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for CRIME Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 113 83.09% No (A2) 10 7.35% Don't know (A3) 6 4.41% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 4 / 23 Page | 20 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for CRIME Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? page 5 / 23 Page | 21 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for ACCIDENT Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Answer Count Percentage Increase (A1) 122 89.71% Decrease (A2) 7 5.15% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 6 / 23 Page | 22 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for ACCIDENT Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? page 7 / 23 Page | 23 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for LITTER Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Answer Count Percentage Increase (A1) 122 89.71% Decrease (A2) 7 5.15% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 8 / 23 Page | 24 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for LITTER Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? page 9 / 23 Page | 25 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for USERS Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 113 83.09% No (A2) 9 6.62% Don't Know (A3) 7 5.15% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 10 / 23 Page | 26 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for USERS Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? page 11 / 23 Page | 27 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for PROFESSIONAL Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 121 88.97% No (A2) 8 5.88% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 12 / 23 Page | 28 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for PROFESSIONAL Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? page 13 / 23 Page | 29 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for RETURN Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 125 91.91% No (A2) 4 2.94% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 14 / 23 Page | 30 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for RETURN Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? page 15 / 23 Page | 31 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for ADDITIONAL Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 15 11.03% No (A2) 114 83.82% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 16 / 23 Page | 32 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for ADDITIONAL Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? page 17 / 23 Page | 33 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for PRIOR Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 58 42.65% No (A2) 71 52.21% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 18 / 23 Page | 34 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for PRIOR Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? page 19 / 23 Page | 35 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for STUCK Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 23 16.91% No (A2) 106 77.94% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 20 / 23 Page | 36 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for STUCK Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? page 21 / 23 Page | 37 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for HANDLE Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Answer Count Percentage Yes (A1) 106 77.94% No (A2) 23 16.91% No answer 0 0.00% Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15% page 22 / 23 Page | 38 of Quick statistics Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey' Summary for HANDLE Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? page 23 / 23 Page | 39 of Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey Survey response 1 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? No Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Not an accurate question for people who protect the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don’t treat those struggling with addiction like persons who have a deadly contagious disease. They have an illness just like those with diabetes and cancer. Compassion and empathy go a long way, not everyone has had a fairy tale life. page 1 / 136 Page | 40 of Survey response 2 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have encountered discarded needles in every part of the city, West Side, East End, South Hills, Kanawha City, and Midtown. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Suspend the needle program until there is a better one in place. page 2 / 136 Page | 41 of Survey response 3 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 3 / 136 Page | 42 of Survey response 4 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Too many to list. The most bothersome are those areas frequented by children such as playgrounds and parks, Magic Island, Kanawha Blvd. Abandoned houses frequented by squatters have also posed a problem due to lack of light to see the needles and fires that are started in these structures by the squatters trying to get warm. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Only permit 1 for 1 needle exchanges. No needle giveaways or needs-based programs should be permitted. Require tracking numbers/codes on syringes from needle exchange programs. Use the codes to track the source of the syringes and level fines/sanctions against the programs for their clients' improper disposal of needles in public places. Needle exchange programs should be shut down if they fail to respond to the sanctions or pay fines. page 4 / 136 Page | 43 of Survey response 5 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have encountered discarded syringes in all areas of the city, to include seeing a child almost exposed to a needle after he bent down to pickup a football that was thrown to him (in a neighborhood yard) If more needles are allowed to enter the city of Charleston for the purpose of providing for illegal drug use the following will occur and more: increase in person crimes, increase in property crimes, increase in overdoses, increase in policemen and children getting stuck unintentionally, burdensome to our business district where most needle program customers will loiter, increase in shoplifting and let us all remember that drug users have to steal to support their habits, the needle program would harbor these types of individuals who will be stealing from the citizens of Charleston to support their addiction. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? One idea is to call the program what it is, a needle program! The term "Harm Reduction" is a term that is used by advocates for the "needle program" so they can "shame" people who do not support needle distribution. It is a way to disguise "needle distribution" with a term in attempt to make people feel guilty if they are against it. Most people have no issues with helping a person in need with food, shelter, water or things that are necessary to live. People do have a problem with deploying a program that provides free needles to people for illegal drug use. And I know we all hear it is for the "greater good" to decrease HIV, AIDS, etc... The fact is, there are proven studies where cities have attempted this very model and actually have not seen a decrease in disease but an increase in disease. PEOPLE, PLEASE WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND THAT NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION POSES MANY DANGERS TO FIRST RESPONDERS, TRAVELERS, AND EVERY CITIZEN IN THE CITY OF CHARLESTON. Charleston needs an administration that is willing to stand up against this threat to our pursuit of happiness and not stand in the background hoping it goes through. STAND UP FOR YOUR CITY AND HER PEOPLE CHARLESTON ADMINISTRATIONS, WE SHOULDNT HAVE TO DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU! page 5 / 136 Page | 44 of Survey response 6 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 6 / 136 Page | 45 of Survey response 7 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? ALL AREAS OF THE CITY , SOME WORSE THAN OTHERS. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? HOLD PEOPLE ACOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. page 7 / 136 Page | 46 of Survey response 8 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All sides of town What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it illegal to possess syringes for illegal activities. page 8 / 136 Page | 47 of Survey response 9 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all over the city What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? crack down and arrest the users of the syringes page 9 / 136 Page | 48 of Survey response 10 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all over no certain area has been more of a problem than others What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? limit the number of needles people have access to page 10 / 136 Page | 49 of Survey response 11 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Eliminate syringes. page 11 / 136 Page | 50 of Survey response 12 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all over What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? i dont know page 12 / 136 Page | 51 of Survey response 13 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? m any What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? na page 13 / 136 Page | 52 of Survey response 14 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? many What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? na page 14 / 136 Page | 53 of Survey response 15 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? west side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? not to give them out page 15 / 136 Page | 54 of Survey response 16 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? West Side and East End What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? ?????? page 16 / 136 Page | 55 of Survey response 17 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? west side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? do away with the program page 17 / 136 Page | 56 of Survey response 18 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? westside eastend north charleston What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? dont give them out ,and have a designated people to come pick them up. page 18 / 136 Page | 57 of Survey response 19 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The East End of Charleston, Ive recovered needles from playgrounds,restaurants, store restrooms, dog parks, and various other areas. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop the needle hand outs! page 19 / 136 Page | 58 of Survey response 20 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? its at every stop we come to. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? we have to use the backhoe to get rid of everything at that address we come to. This needle exchange was a VERY bad idea.... page 20 / 136 Page | 59 of Survey response 21 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? biohazzard drop boxes page 21 / 136 Page | 60 of Survey response 22 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? In vacant homes in the city, on sidewalks around businesses. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make sure these needles are marked and can be traced back to the company that distributed them. When one of us gets stuck by a needle we want to know who to come and look for. page 22 / 136 Page | 61 of Survey response 23 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Public parks, abandoned houses, sidewalks, purses, parking lots, open fields, vehicles (including glove compartments and floor boards) and residence yards. Basically anywhere a transient can walk you can expect to find a discarded needle. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? You can't litter what you don't have. I believe the city should prohibit the giving of needles and Narcan completely. It only encourages the behavior which I think everyone can agree is not favorable. Instead of giving an addict the tools they need to continue their habit, and have them view the city as supporting them, they should be providing services for assistance in recovery. Encourage the breaking of the habit rather than continuing it. This will clean up our streets, make our parks safer for our children, ease the emergency services responsibilities, and ultimately save lives! There is no other option. page 23 / 136 Page | 62 of Survey response 24 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Sidewalks, apartment buildings, Haddad Riverfront Park, grocery store parking lots What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Unknown page 24 / 136 Page | 63 of Survey response 25 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? City limits What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make syringes illegal to possess again page 25 / 136 Page | 64 of Survey response 26 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East End, West side, KC, & South Hills What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make the public aware of how to properly dispose of syringes. page 26 / 136 Page | 65 of Survey response 27 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East and West sides of Charleston What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? none page 27 / 136 Page | 66 of Survey response 28 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Where haven't I? I'm a police officer and I have encountered it everywhere. Around the mall, the Mary Ratrie Greenspace, Clay Center, Coliseum, any abandoned home I've entered, random sidewalks, beside the Stop N' Go, I could go on and on. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? It needs to be a 1:1 exchange. I understand this isn't best practices for reducing HIV/HEP rates, but no one is taking into consideration how these unregulated needle exchanges increases crime. Access to free needles increases the amount of drug users in Charleston, which then increases the amount of drug dealers, it is simple supply/demand. With an increase in drug dealers you have more violent crime. Also, when an area of our town is littered with needles and those who use them, nobody wants to invest in that area. page 28 / 136 Page | 67 of Survey response 29 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Playgrounds, Parks, on the street. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop giving them out. page 29 / 136 Page | 68 of Survey response 30 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Multiple areas of the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not compromise the safety of all citizens of Charleston to accommodate addicts. page 30 / 136 Page | 69 of Survey response 31 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Shanklin parking garage; various city streets What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? N/A page 31 / 136 Page | 70 of Survey response 32 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Parking garage at civic center What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not give them out so they will stop coming to charleston. lowering the amount of people who are in position of neddles in the city page 32 / 136 Page | 71 of Survey response 33 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Boulevard; downtown sidewalks What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I am not sure. page 33 / 136 Page | 72 of Survey response 34 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? the bulk of needles are found in alleys and places where homeless people hang together What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? limit the amount of needles and have designated locations for drop-offs page 34 / 136 Page | 73 of Survey response 35 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? No Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Magic Island Town Center Garage Civic Center Garage Gas Stations What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Shut down the needle exchange program page 35 / 136 Page | 74 of Survey response 36 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Civic Center Garage, Town Center Garage, and along the boulevard near the river. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop handing out syringes to drug users page 36 / 136 Page | 75 of Survey response 37 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Yards, street gutters, public park (not playground) What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? One for One exchange. No dirty needles brought in, no clean needles given out. Hand out sharps containers with the clean needles. Give them gift cards for returning extra dirty needles, or some kind of incentive for picking up discarded needles and bringing them in. page 37 / 136 Page | 76 of Survey response 38 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Mostly the East End and West Side. I have seen them mostly in abandoned homes, streets and sidewalks. The worst place I have seen them is in public parks and school playgrounds where children play. These are common places for drug addicts to congregate, not diabetics as one health professional in support of needle distribution claimed to be a big part of the problem. As a first responder, I have never encountered a diabetic discarding their needles where it shouldn't be. I have personally witness drug addicts discard their needles many times in areas that are not acceptable. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I am against needle distribution but, if needle distribution continues, it needs to be housed in a building where medical experts are available to assist with testing, counseling, and rehab. A mobile distribution center makes it extremely convenient for drug users not seeking counseling or rehab access to drug paraphernalia and with zero accountability enabling drug users and needles will once again litter the city. With needle litter, I believe needle distributors should have some identifying mark on their needles and completely be held accountable if needle litter is found anywhere in the city other than a proper disposal area. There should be a city ordinance fining those distribution centers and an order of clean up throughout the city to prevent needle sticks of the general public and first responders. page 38 / 136 Page | 77 of Survey response 39 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have seen them streets of Charleston in various places as well as in restrooms all across the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? We need to stop the needle exchange program as a whole. This is just causing more problems for the city, our city workers and first responders. page 39 / 136 Page | 78 of Survey response 40 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All sides of town, but primarily on the West Side and the East End. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Harm reduction programs should require a visit to an actual facility staffed with trained professionals in order to receive syringes. A dollar for dollar / hour for hour effort should be mandated for harm reduction programs that balance distribution and service with preventative education starting with school aged children. page 40 / 136 Page | 79 of Survey response 41 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The west side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Elimination of all Syringe programs. Make hyperdermic needles paraphernalia and illegal to possess. If people cannot have these items in the city they risk being arrested, if they are arrested enough they will leave our city. page 41 / 136 Page | 80 of Survey response 42 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Each side of town What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop giving out syringes! page 42 / 136 Page | 81 of Survey response 43 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The whole city of Charleston What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop giving syringes to drug addicts. page 43 / 136 Page | 82 of Survey response 44 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? transit, along river banks, in abandoned homes What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? require a brick and mortar establishment. page 44 / 136 Page | 83 of Survey response 45 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? stop giving out syringes page 45 / 136 Page | 84 of Survey response 46 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Any common area to transit homeless in downtown area East to West . In and around many residences on East and West that is known to hold drug uses or Wondering homeless . Which is multiple places throughout the city . What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Charleston has become a desirable place to come and stay for transit criminals and homeless. Which is where we are today. The multiple free services and open arms environment is not the method for an individual to change. A vast majority of Drug addicts get to where they have some degree of metal issues and lack self respect for themselves and others . Sticking a needle inside ones body is agreed to be irresponsible. Same irresponsible individuals Are expected to be responsible and return them? page 46 / 136 Page | 85 of Survey response 47 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All sides of town ( Charleston ) What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? one for one exchange or instead of providing the addicts with needles & syringes, provide easy access and admission to rehabilitation ( most facilities require insurance ) most addicts do not work and does not have personal insurance / benefits. page 47 / 136 Page | 86 of Survey response 48 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? streets , alleys and river banks to mentions just a few What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? If the needle exchange does happen again, but to note I'm fully against. However there has to be accountability for the user and the business that is providing the service. page 48 / 136 Page | 87 of Survey response 49 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 49 / 136 Page | 88 of Survey response 50 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? to many to name them all but here are a few locations, Motel/Hotels, playgrounds, school grounds, sidewalks, public restrooms, etc. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? We all know those that want to use intravenously will continue to do so whether safe or not. But creating an exchange providing not simply clean syringes but an abundant supply of syringes that will be left in areas where people can and will be exposed is not the answer. Helping one sector while alienating the other in the name of whatever it may be called is not the way things should be done. Condoning wrong behavior by trying to make said behavior safer is not the answer. We must provide a way out to those that are addicted not a way to continue. Stopping the spread of disease is important, but stopping the use of addicting drugs is the bigger picture that provides the answer all want. Mental health has a big role in this and i feel is being left out of the equation. page 50 / 136 Page | 89 of Survey response 51 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 51 / 136 Page | 90 of Survey response 52 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere West, East , and South What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? One for one exchange Bar coded needles Punishment for not properly discarded needles City code for being in possession of a uncapped needle page 52 / 136 Page | 91 of Survey response 53 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I found discarded needles on all 3 sides of town (west, east, & south). What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? stop giving them away!!! I understand the theory of trying to reduce certain communicable diseases among drug addicts. However, I believe the theoretical benefit to drug addicts is far out weighed by the real harm of potentially exposing the entire population to being stuck by a contaminated needle. The discarded needles from those within the drug addict population will likely be contaminated by the very types of diseases that those who are in favor of "harm reduction" want to contain. page 53 / 136 Page | 92 of Survey response 54 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East end What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Needle exchange programs should be accountable for a one for one exchange program. page 54 / 136 Page | 93 of Survey response 55 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? on the streets, not usually at any one stop but have seen them at stops as well What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? they are gonna be there with or without harm reduction, need to control the HIV outbreak before it gets worse page 55 / 136 Page | 94 of Survey response 56 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 56 / 136 Page | 95 of Survey response 57 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Don't know Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East, West and South What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? 1 for 1 exchange with the place the person got the syringe page 57 / 136 Page | 96 of Survey response 58 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Mainly the East End / Kanawha City What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Model Health Rights program page 58 / 136 Page | 97 of Survey response 59 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The entire city but mostly the west side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it illegal to carry an uncapped needle, do not give out needles page 59 / 136 Page | 98 of Survey response 60 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have encountered syringes laying about in every part of the city What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Health rites program is the way to go give back your syringes to get more and serial numbers to track them. page 60 / 136 Page | 99 of Survey response 61 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? West side, East End, and Kanawha City What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don't give needles to junkies, help the diabetics! page 61 / 136 Page | 100 of Survey response 62 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The entire city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? A contact number for the people dispensing the needles so they can pick the needles up. page 62 / 136 Page | 101 of Survey response 63 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All sides of town What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don’t do the exchange program page 63 / 136 Page | 102 of Survey response 64 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Many locations on the east end, west side, and south side where known intravenous drug users frequently travel and congregate. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Harsher penalties for the distribution of drugs that are used intravenously. Harsher penalties for theft related crimes, these are typically committed by people who steal to buy drugs. page 64 / 136 Page | 103 of Survey response 65 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Homes, sidewalks, flower beds, everywhere imaginable What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Magnetized street sweeper page 65 / 136 Page | 104 of Survey response 66 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Down Town, East End, West Side, Kanawha City and North Charleston. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Should be properly disposed of just as the many diabetics have in the past. We really don't have a needle or syringe problem... page 66 / 136 Page | 105 of Survey response 67 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Decrease the amount of needles given to the general public and bring back strict penalties for discarding used syringes. The city has too many programs for drug users and the homeless. By providing these services, we are attracting the wrong people to the City of Charleston. These individuals are running our businesses and citizens out of the city. We need to put more revenue and support into providing for our law abiding non drug addicted citizens and attract visitors to our city. This will bring back businesses and people moving into the city limits which will bring in greater revenue. The current policies are ruining our city step by step. Take care of the people who actually care about the city. page 67 / 136 Page | 106 of Survey response 68 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Not have the needle exchange program at all. I remember encountering more chances to get stuck when the program was in place on overdose related calls and others, due to people having even more needles in their possession. page 68 / 136 Page | 107 of Survey response 69 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All precincts. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Prosecution, rehabiliation , work, life planning until they get it right. Progressively add more time to sentences for repeat offenders. Work programs similar to the old 1930's era CC Corps. Have them doing work that benefits everyone but, there are no or limited funds for. Examples; cleaning creek and riverbeds of debris. Making these areas more conducive to marine life and for recreation. Brush control and beautification projects (trees, landscaping etc.). Infrastructure using whats at hand and / or cheap. Cutting and placing stone for erosion control and beautification. Pay would include say $1 / hr. with housing, medical, food etc. included. They get their accumulated funds at the end of their sentence. A third offense OD, needle violation etc. gets them a six month senetence that they can get behind them as soon as they have completed 1000 hours of training and work time for example. An 80 hr. week would turn a six month sentence into a three month sentence. what we are doing does not work. Just jailing them is not the answer. Letting them potentially hurt others for their convenience while making some feel good about how wonderful they are, as long as no one they care about gets hurt, is not the answer either. Love, meaning actually pushing them to be better no matter how uncomfortable making them uncomfortable is, is the answer. A boot upside a persons ass when they need it is a good thing. Better than a meaningless life full of heartache and pain on oneself, those close to them and society as a whole. page 69 / 136 Page | 108 of Survey response 70 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? EAST SIDE WEST SIDE What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? No syringe/needle exchange program page 70 / 136 Page | 109 of Survey response 71 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? West and East. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Needle exchange program where individuals meet with medical professionals about their condition. page 71 / 136 Page | 110 of Survey response 72 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Play grounds, McDonald's play houses, city streets, stores and businesses, the Capitol grounds, downtown Charleston. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I am not inherently against needle exchange programs. I truly appreciate the well-meaning volunteers, although I do not agree with handing these out on street corners in residential areas or parking lots. There are two keys to a potentially successfully needle exchange program though: the word "exchange," i.e. the strict adherence of bringing back your old needles for new ones, and obtaining them from medical professionals who offer rehabilitation and other medical services on scene. The basis of success for the program should NOT be based off of the quantity of needles handed out to the public, yet rather the decrease in transmitted diseases and also the increase in referring people successfully to rehabilitation. Thank you for allowing our feedback! It is truly appreciated. page 72 / 136 Page | 111 of Survey response 73 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? east west and south district What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? dont increase the amount of needles into the city page 73 / 136 Page | 112 of Survey response 74 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? BLVD, East End, and Westside What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Have syringe collection sites throughout the City specifically in high drug use areas. page 74 / 136 Page | 113 of Survey response 75 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Address the unauthorized needle exchanges in the city and get rid of them. page 75 / 136 Page | 114 of Survey response 76 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 76 / 136 Page | 115 of Survey response 77 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Enforce exchange strictly page 77 / 136 Page | 116 of Survey response 78 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere in the City, to include city parks, roadways/alleyways, public and private bathrooms, all manner of businesses/restaurants. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Reinstate the City Ordinance allowing police to issue a citation, if found they can prove who discarded the syringe litter and if they are in a program or not. If not be able to cite if they are not in a program. page 78 / 136 Page | 117 of Survey response 79 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? west side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? dont give needles out page 79 / 136 Page | 118 of Survey response 80 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? almost everywhere in the city.i recently discarded a needle in front of a school on gordon drive last week.and that wasnt the only time i have found them near a school What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? dont past them out to anyone who is not willing to not go into a treatment program it should be a limit or time period for the exchange for anyone whos using to cut them off if not willing to seek help page 80 / 136 Page | 119 of Survey response 81 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Nowhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Mandatory exchange page 81 / 136 Page | 120 of Survey response 82 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Don't know Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Kanawha City What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I really don't know. page 82 / 136 Page | 121 of Survey response 83 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East and West What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not allow an exchange program and increase training for employees page 83 / 136 Page | 122 of Survey response 84 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 84 / 136 Page | 123 of Survey response 85 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Abandoned structures, city parks and sidewalks in the 5000 block of MacCorkle Ave SE What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? 1 for 1 exchange. IV users should have to see a doctor and be given information on rehab. page 85 / 136 Page | 124 of Survey response 86 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Needles can and are found anywhere in the City. Providing free needles increases the likelihood subjects will use drugs. A needle exchange program is nothing more than a person who enables an addicted person. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not have a needle exchange program. Reinstate the criminal penalties, including jail time, for the possession of needles. Make criminal penalties for people who provide needles to anyone for criminal purposes. page 86 / 136 Page | 125 of Survey response 87 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Abandoned homes, alleyways What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Barcodes identifiable to an individual. page 87 / 136 Page | 126 of Survey response 88 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not let another needle program start. Stop catering to the homeless which will deter them from coming to our city which will in turn lessen the needle users and needle trash. page 88 / 136 Page | 127 of Survey response 89 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Each side of the city. West, South and East What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I would like to address the survey. This is definitely a skewed survey by the lack of relevant answers. What is your favorite color blue or red? Not a lot of options. The needed exchange program has been proven to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis. West Virginia is leading the nation in Hepatitis. It is a no brainer that the programs are needed. The issue is the programs are not ran properly. It should be a one for one exchange. There should be prevention and substance abuse counselors available during the exchange. Like crime at the Town Center, this issue has been blown out of proportion. Needles are not everywhere like the news and city officials are leading people to believe. page 89 / 136 Page | 128 of Survey response 90 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Throughout the city What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don't allow needle programs page 90 / 136 Page | 129 of Survey response 91 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? No Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I personally have recovered or known of recovered syringes in all parts of the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? More public sharps disposal access points. Of course this comes with buy in from the public and breaking the dreaded stigma. A more personal approach to those who receive the syringes that counseling can occur and emphasis on being disciplined and not carelessly discarding syringes. page 91 / 136 Page | 130 of Survey response 92 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All over the westside, near the homeless shelters and mana meal, and upper Kanawha City What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I like health rights needles that have a barcode on them. The needles I find working never have a barcode. If a syringe is found with a barcode the PD should have the ability to scan the barcode and see who it belongs too. Once the syringe's ownership is found, that person should be charged and a mandatory one night in jail or must pick up trash in the city for a four hour block. page 92 / 136 Page | 131 of Survey response 93 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have found them in multiple homes alley's playgrounds and other public areas. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? If the needle exchange program would require users to return all the needles they use then it would make them less prone to discarding them. page 93 / 136 Page | 132 of Survey response 94 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Lilith the amount of syringes issued and make sure they keep a 1 for 1 swap. page 94 / 136 Page | 133 of Survey response 95 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all areas ! What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Prosecute for paraphernalia and endangering people exposed to their negligence. page 95 / 136 Page | 134 of Survey response 96 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? In all areas of Charleston What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? One for one needle exchanges and fines and penalties to those distributing needles causing syringe litter. page 96 / 136 Page | 135 of Survey response 97 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All around the city, from commercial to residential areas, including recreational areas. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Currently there are no consequences for using heroin and improper disposal of syringes. There needs to be some sort of consequence, mandatory rehab? page 97 / 136 Page | 136 of Survey response 98 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Pretty much everywhere. Playgrounds, alleyways, vacant houses, on persons etc... What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I would suggest a 1 for 1 exchange where the serial number is linked to the individual . I also would suggest that they participant voluntarily sign a waiver to have not their identity but their infectious diseases released to any medical staff or first responder for the purpose of properly treating anyone who receives an accidental needle stick. I would also suggest that they take a mandatory blood draw that tests for infectious diseases as well as be offered drug rehab and counseling. page 98 / 136 Page | 137 of Survey response 99 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The one that stands out the most is I had a small boy come to me during Live on the Levee and tell me about multiple discarded syringes down near the boat ramp/stage area where he and other kids were playing. Also, in the bathrooms at the mall. Just about any out-of-the-way place, and sometimes not so out-of-the-way places, people can go to use drugs. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not permit needle exchange programs in our city. As much as I want to slow the spread of disease and help people who are addicted, the amount of crime and influx of drug addicts and the issues associated with them that directly affect Charleston in a negative way are overwhelming. It's literally killing this great little city. page 99 / 136 Page | 138 of Survey response 100 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? The entire city What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Not trying to be heartless, but, if you feed a stray animal. page 100 / 136 Page | 139 of Survey response 101 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Behind Marty's tire, in alleyways, on children's playgrounds such as celebration station, in Davis Park, at Haddad Riverfront Park,Mary Ratree greenspace, Magic Island, Along the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, under interstate, in the Mall, in parking garages , basically everywhere you can imagine. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Drug users care enough to pick up their own litter. ...but that won't happen page 101 / 136 Page | 140 of Survey response 102 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All sides of town, parks, public restrooms. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it a crime to possess syringes without medical documentation page 102 / 136 Page | 141 of Survey response 103 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of town except for south hills I’ve had the needle scrap my hands and wrist, so close to be penetrated by a “dirty” used needle with people that had hepatitis and or AIDS. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Just being completely honest- the “users” don’t go by any rules that will be set in place because they broke the rules to begin with by becoming a user. Yes people can change, so let’s not add to their addiction by giving them more needles and don’t excuse their behavior. They need to be locked up in a facility (to help them) where they can slowly be taken off their drug addiction. Let’s help them with a solution, not bend the rules for them. Giving them new syringes and no help.... isn’t helping them at all. Let’s find a large building, give them medical staff and control their addiction until they are suitable to face society again (reasonably). The halfway houses and other programs don’t work because the addict is allowed to wonder around and that’s when they get their drug of choice. What I recommend, needs to be a locked facility, give them their life back by taking away their addiction. I can go into more details, but I have my doubts anyone reads this anyways, if they do, they won’t consider it. page 103 / 136 Page | 142 of Survey response 104 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of town What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? A one-for-one exchange of needles page 104 / 136 Page | 143 of Survey response 105 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? No needle exchange program !!! page 105 / 136 Page | 144 of Survey response 106 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? all areas What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? if there is a needle exchange program in Charleston it should be a needle for needle exchange page 106 / 136 Page | 145 of Survey response 107 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Throughout What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Discontinue of needle programs page 107 / 136 Page | 146 of Survey response 108 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Leon Sullivan Way, Davis Park What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it a separate offense for unlawful or improper disposal of needles on public or private property with jail time. one for one exchange page 108 / 136 Page | 147 of Survey response 109 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Entire City What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? more accountability to the program giving out the needles. page 109 / 136 Page | 148 of Survey response 110 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of the City, from Kanawha City to the West Side. On open streets, Alley's and in business'. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do not give them out without some type of accountability, i.e. ID required when exchanging. Only a one for one exchange program should be utilized, and only the needles/syringes given out, not tourniquets, cotton filter, etc.. This should not be an enabling program but a public health/safety program to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, while at the same time protecting the larger population from accidental needle sticks and litter. page 110 / 136 Page | 149 of Survey response 111 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Numerous different areas. They've been located in playgrounds, public restrooms, parks and streets. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Do away with the needle exchange program. If there is going to be needle exchange, then it should be a 1 for 1 trade. The needles could also be marked to where they could be linked to a specific distributor, and the distributor could be held accountable for multiple occurrences of syringe litter. page 111 / 136 Page | 150 of Survey response 112 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? East end around CAMC General Hospital What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? N/A, new officer page 112 / 136 Page | 151 of Survey response 113 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? N/A new officer What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? N/A new officer page 113 / 136 Page | 152 of Survey response 114 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? na new officer What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? get rid of the program page 114 / 136 Page | 153 of Survey response 115 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Don't know Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? n/a New officer What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? N/A New officer page 115 / 136 Page | 154 of Survey response 116 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? N/A new officer What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? N/A new officer page 116 / 136 Page | 155 of Survey response 117 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All areas of the city. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? I do not support the needle exchange program, I personally believe that it has increased the crime rates and has encouraged the addiction. page 117 / 136 Page | 156 of Survey response 118 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? No Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? n/a new officer What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? n/a new officer page 118 / 136 Page | 157 of Survey response 119 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? under the interstate bridge What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? do away with it page 119 / 136 Page | 158 of Survey response 120 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? Yes Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Decrease Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? No Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? none What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? none page 120 / 136 Page | 159 of Survey response 121 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? No Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have encountered needles on all sides of the city, east, west and south. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? A 1 for 1 exchange with some type of tracking, like a bar code, is the only way a needle exchange can work and still keep the employees and citizens of this city safe. It is ridiculous to think that is an acceptable program to hand out hundreds of thousand needles and be good with only receiving half that amount or less back. I would also like to see a system where needles are only given to residents of this city or perhaps or Kanawha County. This would help stop the influx of people from other counties or states coming here and adding to our homeless population. page 121 / 136 Page | 160 of Survey response 122 Survey Questions What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? page 122 / 136 Page | 161 of Survey response 123 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? EAST/WEST/SOUTH AREA What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? ENSURE THAT NEEDLES ARE RETURNED BEFORE THEY CAN GET ANY OTHER! page 123 / 136 Page | 162 of Survey response 124 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Haddad Park What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? If there are less needles distributed and/or used, then there will be less syringe liter. Focus on the source of the problem (the users). page 124 / 136 Page | 163 of Survey response 125 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Don't know Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Don't Know Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Some on the East end and some on the West Side What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? one for one exchange and maybe some disposal areas in strategic places that they can be dropped off in a secure container. page 125 / 136 Page | 164 of Survey response 126 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All over during needle exchange. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don’t pass them out. You have a responsibility to protect your employees from harms way. Employee safety should be first, not a needle exchange program. page 126 / 136 Page | 165 of Survey response 127 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? In downtown area, near businesses and on playgrounds of Piedmont Elementary and near Charleston Catholic What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? We don't need it in this city page 127 / 136 Page | 166 of Survey response 128 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Westside and East End What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? The property owners should be responsible for the clean up and upkeep of their property. When the needle exchange program was in place there was yards all over the westside with piles of needles in them. page 128 / 136 Page | 167 of Survey response 129 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it illegal to have a syringe in your possession unless you have a prescription for them for a legitimate medical reason. page 129 / 136 Page | 168 of Survey response 130 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? All over the city What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Stop giving away needles page 130 / 136 Page | 169 of Survey response 131 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? Yes Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? I have seen discarded needles laying in the parks on the ground, I have seen needles laying in the roadways, I have seen needles on sidewalks, in homes, and also discarded left laying in businesses. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? More disposal boxes located throughout the city that the public and users may use as needed to discard used needles. page 131 / 136 Page | 170 of Survey response 132 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Everywhere What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make it criminal again if you do not need it for medical/preexisting condition page 132 / 136 Page | 171 of Survey response 133 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? city wide What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? If the they are going to give syringes out then require them to turn the used needles back in. Or they don't receive any more. page 133 / 136 Page | 172 of Survey response 134 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? From the East to the West, and North to South. High and low everywhere in between. After the program was shut down there was a noticeable decline of used needles located on the street/ on individuals. This will without a doubt increase as more are handed out. Therefor increasing the chance of innocent people getting stuck by a dirty needle. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Don't hand them out, period. Let's just use common sense on this, more needles will do more harm than good. People that have no idea what PD deals with can't understand how big a problem this is. Come join me on one of my frequent abandoned house searches where there are needles left laying around like cigarette butts, not one or two but literally dozens of open dirty needles. The individuals in support of this need to stop and think for a moment about what it would be like to to put this uniform on and deal with the many dangers of being a Police Officer every day. On top of that worry about getting stuck by a filthy, disease infested needle. Then having to spend the rest of their life on HIV medication because they contracted it from a suspect with a hidden, uncapped dirty needle. Addiction is a serious problem and I do have compassion for those that need help, but giving them tools to just feed the addiction is not the answer. Supporting this needle "exchange" is a punch in the gut to law enforcement, and emergency responders. It's a heartless and thoughtless thing to do regarding the individuals that have been stuck by a dirty needle. As well as a slap in the face to their families. Let's put our time, effort, money into healing individuals from their addictions instead of condoning it. God Bless and good day. page 134 / 136 Page | 173 of Survey response 135 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? No Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? No Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? Yes Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? Yes What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? Throughout the city there have been an uptick in discarded needles. Additionally, with my job I have access to work throughout the county. With this we have been seeing more needles that are clearly coming from exchange programs. After speaking to the individuals that possess these needles, it was determined that these individuals are traveling from neighboring towns and cities to collect needles. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? Make possession of syringes, and the discarding of syringes illegal within city limits. page 135 / 136 Page | 174 of Survey response 136 Survey Questions Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston? No Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime? Yes Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties? Increase Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community? Increase Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the program? Yes Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones? Yes Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston? Yes Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston? No Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston? No Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter? No What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes? city parks.. Pennsylvania ave .. under pass.. the kanawha blv.. just about any flower bed its really bad out here What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter? stop givein them syrings if they dont have none they cant throw them down and they would go to the next town that does they take to good of care of them around here to get them to keep moving and the biggest thing is they need to get the cops to get the drugs off the street... NO SYRINGES page 136 / 136 Page | 175 of Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) Bill No. 7893 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council: January 19, 2021 Introduced by: Referred to: Sam Minardi, Adam Knauff, Pat Jones Public Safety Shannon Snodgrass, Bruce King, Deanna McKinney, Jennifer Pharr, Jeanine Faegre and Chuck Overstreet 1 Bill No. 7893 - A BILL to amend and reenact Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of 2 the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston and to repeal Sections 78-396 and 78-397 3 of said Code, all relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the 4 City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a 5 Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required 6 state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and 7 establishing penalties for violations. 8 9 Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston: 10 11 That Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of 12 Charleston is amended and reenacted, and that Sections 78-396 and 78-397 of said 13 Code are repealed, all to read as follows: 14 15 Subdivision II. - Sale, Marketing, and Distribution of Hypodermic Needles and 16 Syringes 17 18 Sec. 78-381. - Sale, marketing and distribution Distribution of hypodermic 19 needles; state license certification required. 20 21 It shall be unlawful for any person or persons as principal, clerk, agent, or servant or 22 otherwise acting individually or on behalf of any entity, organization or group to sell, 23 market, or distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used 24 or designed for injecting substances into the human body, without obtaining and having 25 certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the West Virginia Bureau for Public 26 Health within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and any 27 and all licenses required under state law to do so: except that, items distributed by or 28 exchanged at a needle exchange program sponsored or approved by the Chief of 29 Police of the Charleston Police Department, as provided by Subdivision III herein, are 30 thereby approved and are not unlawful. 31 32 Sec. 78-382. - Compliance with state law and regulations. 33 Page | 176 of 34 Every person, entity, organization, or group certified or licensed to sell, market, or 35 distribute hypodermic needles shall comply with all applicable state law and regulations. 36 37 Subdivision III. - Needle Exchange Program 38 39 Sec. 78-383. - Penalty. 40 Any person violating any provision of this subdivision shall, if convicted, be guilty of a 41 misdemeanor and be fined not less than five hundred ten dollars nor more than one 42 thousand five hundred dollars for the first offense and succeeding offenses. Each day 43 that such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. 44 45 Sec. 78-396. - Needle exchange program authorized. 46 47 The City of Charleston, by and through its Chief of Police, may sponsor, approve, or 48 participate in a program or programs within the City of Charleston for the distribution or 49 exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed 50 for injecting substances into the human body. 51 52 Sec. 78-397. – Rules and regulations; Chief of Police authorized. 53 54 The Chief of Police of the City of Charleston Police Department is authorized to 55 promulgate reasonable rules or regulations deemed necessary to implement and 56 administer a program within the City of Charleston provided for in Section 78-396 for 57 the distribution or exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects 58 used or designed for injecting substances into the human body. Page | 177 of
Public Safety Committee — Charleston, WV