The city is forcing it.
A city-sponsored needle exchange program outside a Bronx children's library is drawing heat from poles in the Big Apple, with scores of local residents slamming the “unacceptable” location.
“The whole street is deserted,” local resident John Martinez told the Post. “There are kids around. I've seen them shoot in the open. One guy hands a syringe to another guy. It's chaos.”
Another neighbor said it's gotten to the point where he has to be careful where he walks.
“You see a lot of needles. They do it and just leave it there,” said a local who was walking with her 8-year-old daughter in front of the Bronx Library Center on Kingsbridge Road. said pharmacy clerk Patricia Flores.
“You have to be careful where you step. It's crazy,” Flores said. “I wish they would come out of here and do it somewhere else. I wish they could set it up somewhere else. Especially not in front of the library. We go to the library all the time. Masu.”
Bronx City Councilman Oswald Ferris denounced needle exchange sites in a letter to the city's health department earlier this month, saying his constituents were “frustrated and outraged.”
“The syringe distribution program in front of the children’s library created a dangerous environment.
Situations such as illegal drug use and disposal of used syringes in libraries.
Toilet,” Ferris wrote in a Dec. 3 letter.
“In some cases, individuals under the influence may exhibit unusual behavior within the library, upsetting visitors,” he added. “Distributing needles in front of children's libraries is outrageous, irresponsible and incomprehensible, especially from medical professionals and an administration that claims safety is its top priority.”
Felix, like other neighbors interviewed by the Post, said he generally understands the practice of providing clean syringes to addicts to prevent the spread of disease, but not in front of his children. spoke.
A van with the words “BOOM!” written on it. The photo, with the word “Health” written on the side, was parked Friday across the street from the library, which is part of the New York Public Library System.
Occasionally, people would walk up, knock on the door, and presumably be given a new needle.
This van is part of the Health Department.Syringe service program” initiative provides drug users with safer supplies, access to naloxone, hepatitis, and HIV testing, counseling, and referrals.
City officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but residents had a lot to say about the decision to keep the van outside the library.
“It's out in the open in front of the library,” said New Yorker Regina Duran. “If children see people doing drugs, they may feel that it's normal. There are no consequences. They just walk across the street and stick a needle and administer drugs. It will be done.”
Local Mel Angel added: “It's alarming.” “Libraries are visited by a lot of children and the elderly. You never know if a needle will fall on the bathroom floor. Libraries are a resource for everyone, but there are many ways to limit library use by everyone. I have a bad problem.”
