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<br /> <br />ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SWAPPING USED <br />NEEDLES FOR CLEAN ONES <br />7-20-16 <br />HILLSBOROUGH — The Orange County Health Department has been quietly exchanging needles for drug <br />users and diabetic patients since April. <br />The Safe Syringe Program only became official when Gov. Pat McCrory signed a new state law July 11 <br />outlining the requirements under which local agencies could offer needle, or syringe, exchanges. <br />It’s exciting to be able to offer a program that’s addressing “a large but hidden and stigmatized public <br />health issue,” said Robin Gasparini, county nursing supervisor. <br />“Having this law passed allows us to really go out there and actively partner with the community about <br />our program and share information,” she said, “and I think it’s really critical for people to know that <br />there’s a safe avenue.” <br />They are still working with the state to amend a portion of the law that prohibits using public money to <br />buy needles, hypodermic syringes and other injection supplies. <br />The law also requires programs to address the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other blood borne diseases; <br />reduce needle-stick injuries to public safety workers; and encourage drug users to seek treatment. <br />The N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition reports that one out of every three officers will be stuck accidentally <br />with a needle during their careers, potentially exposing them to HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Roughly 28 <br />percent will be stuck more than once, the group reported. <br />Gasparini noted North Carolina has had a significant problem with hepatitis, with the Centers for <br />Disease Control and Prevention reporting the number of cases had increased more than 200 percent