Aldermen have approved an ordinance amendment proposed by Mayor Jay Ruais to address concerns over needle exchange programs and improper disposal of syringes on city streets and in parks. The vote to approve the syringe service program (SSP) ordinance and suspend the board’s rules and ordain the ordinance immediately was 12-1 with only Alderman Tony Sapienza opposed. “If anything, it’s a step in the right direction,” Alderman Bill Barry said.
The ordinance is designed to “address public health concerns related to injection drug use and the improper disposal of syringes in our community,” according to a memo from Ruais to aldermen requesting the amendment. “This ordinance is a vital step in addressing the challenges of injection drug use within our city, promoting public health, and ensuring safe, regulated operations of SSPs,” wrote Ruais. “I encourage your support in passing this ordinance to safeguard the health and safety of our community.
” Manchester Health Director Anna Thomas expressed support for the ordinance. "When these things are done well, they (needle exchange participants) are five times more likely to enter treatment, three times more likely to quit altogether,” Thomas said. As originally proposed last week, the ordinance required a one-for-one needle exchange.
After consulting with Thomas, Ruais tweaked the proposal to remove that requirement. Ruais said he didn’t want the ordinance to include an arbitrary number to start. “We’ll wa.