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8/14/2018 Orange County Health Dept. takes needle exchange program public | News & Observer <br />https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/chapel-hill-news/article90175387.html 3/8 <br />“Law enforcement officers, I think, pretty universally support the notion that a needle exchange <br />program can help people get directed to resources they need to perhaps address their addiction,” <br />he said, “and can also reduce the likelihood that dirty needles are out there that can harm people <br />out in the community or officers that may encounter users.” <br />Five people have visited the Hillsborough and Chapel Hill clinics since April to drop off dirty <br />needles and pick up a bag of 20 clean ones, Gasparini said. Now, dirty needles can be dropped <br />into white metal boxes located in both buildings. <br />They aren’t tracking personal details or the reasons someone might trade their needles, she said, <br />but they do know at least one client is diabetic and has had trouble buying needles through a <br />pharmacy. Two others who picked up needles also got tested for HIV, she said. <br />Law enforcement officers “play a huge role in helping us build trust with our clients,” Gasparini <br />said. “I would ask for their support to help us connect to the community and help the community <br />members connect to our program based on need.” <br />The state law requires programs to include educational materials about the prevention of <br />overdoses; HIV, AIDS and viral hepatitis transmission; and drug abuse. The materials also must <br />address treatment and referrals for mental illness and substance abuse. <br />Business cards with information about Orange County’s Safe Syringe Program have been sitting <br />on the front desk of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for months. The Carrboro Police <br />Department also has received the cards, police spokesman Capt. Chris Atack said. <br />Tammy Grubb: 919-829-8926, @TammyGrubb <br />NEEDLEEXCHANGE <br />The Orange County Health Department has set up white, metal dropboxes for depositing dirty <br />needles at its clinics. The boxes can be found at 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill and 300 <br />W.Tryon St. in Hillsborough. A bag of clean needles and other items is available at each clinic’s <br />front desk. <br />More information is available by calling 919-245-2400.