BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Broward Commissioners have approved a Safe Syringe Exchange Program with the goal of eliminating the transmission of infectious diseases and to better assist people with drug addiction problems.  Since 2016, the majority of drug overdose deaths in Broward County were attributed to heroin and fentanyl use. 

The purpose of the program is to offer the free exchange of clean, unused needles and hypodermic syringes for used needles and hypodermic syringes to prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, or other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users.  The secondary goal is providing a bridge to drug treatment, recovery support, and other social services for intravenous drug users.

“This ordinance is based on the statewide expansion of the IDEA Exchange pilot program that has been so successful in Miami-Dade County.  Now it will be implemented in Broward,” said Commissioner Nan Rich, who brought the ordinance forward with full sponsorship of the Commission. 

“I really believe this is a great thing for us to do in our community.  It is forward thinking and it will bring, I believe, a tremendous result in a positive way for people here in Broward County,” said Mayor Dale V.C. Holness. 

To get going, Broward County will enter into an agreement with the Florida Department of Health to ensure that all programs meet the requirements of the Infectious Disease Elimination Act, recently expanded statewide by the Florida Legislature.  In accordance with the Act, state, county, or municipal funds cannot be used to operate a needle and syringe exchange program. The Operator will be required to fund the Safe Syringe Exchange Program operations through grants and donations from private resources and funds.

The ordinance allows an eligible program operator to contract with the County to provide a Safe Syringe Program at either a medical office or using street mobile units. The operator must provide onsite counseling or referrals for drug abuse assistance programs.  

Programs will collect and monitor the number of participants served, the number of used needles and syringes exchanged, the number of people entering drug counseling and social service programs, and other data. 

DATE: December 5, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT:  Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Board of County Commissioners
PHONE: 954-357-8053

EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org