Public Safety Committee  — Charleston, WV
Date: 2021-03-30
Time: 17:00

10 CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – 10th WARD

Keeley Steele Public Safety Committee, Chair
1600 Washington St. E Ordinance and Rules Committee
Charleston, WV 25311
Telephone: 304‐250‐9463
E‐mail: keeleysteele@gmail.com


TO: Public Safety Committee
FROM: Keeley Steele, Chair
RE: Committee Meeting

  THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM
 Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1
 Charleston, WV

 There will be a Committee meeting of Public Safety on March 30, 2021 at5:00 PM

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87829896663?pwd=NXNqUStMRHdTR3FNOUVTYzNiMlo1dz09
Passcode: 721357
*Join via Phone: 301‐715‐8592 or 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 878 2989 6663

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 2‐24‐2021

TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

 1. Attachments

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7893 ‐ A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston
 relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be
 performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from
 the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; eliminating the ability for the
 Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations.


ADJOURNMENT
KS/ns

10 CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – 10th WARD

Keeley Steele Public Safety Committee, Chair
1600 Washington St. E Ordinance and Rules Committee
Charleston, WV 25311
Telephone: 304‐250‐9463
E‐mail: keeleysteele@gmail.com


TO: Public Safety Committee
FROM: Keeley Steele, Chair
RE: Committee Meeting

  THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM
 Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1
 Charleston, WV

 There will be a Committee meeting of Public Safety on March 30, 2021 at5:00 PM

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87829896663?pwd=NXNqUStMRHdTR3FNOUVTYzNiMlo1dz09
Passcode: 721357
*Join via Phone: 301‐715‐8592 or 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 878 2989 6663

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 2‐24‐2021

TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

 1. Attachments

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7893 ‐ A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston
 relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the City of Charleston to be
 performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a Harm Reduction Program from
 the State of West Virginia in addition to any required state license; eliminating the ability for the
 Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations.


ADJOURNMENT




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KS/ns




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 MINUTES
 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:30 P. M., FEBRUARY 24, 2021

*IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA).



Keeley Steele, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council
Committee on Public Safety to order at 5:30 p.m., FEBRUARY 24, 2021.

Committee Members Present:
Keeley Steele, Chair
Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair
Pat Jones
Bruce King
Deanna McKinney
Shannon Snodgrass
Tiffany Wesley-Plear


*The link to the video of the full meeting is provided in the minutes. A link to download
the file will be made available upon request to the Clerk’s Office. Timestamps will be
noted for each section for anyone wishing to view the full record.
 https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=1199&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0




 1. Approval of Previous Minutes – 0:06:27-0:06:56
Councilmember King moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 2-24-
2021. Councilmember McKinney seconded the motion. There was no objection and the
minutes were approved.
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 2. To Hear from Invited Panelists – 0:07:10-1:36:33
Councilmember Steele stated that they will be hearing from 7 invited speakers. With the
exception of Dr. Daskalakis, they will hear from all panelists before having a question-
and-answer session.

   Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, CDC –
 Presentation: 0:07:10-0:33:28 Discussion: 0:33:29-0:56:38
Dr. Daskalakis gave a presentation to the Committee concerning responding to HIV
outbreaks among people who inject drugs.

Councilmember McKinney asked if his presentation was about needle exchange or
harm reduction. Dr. Daskalakis replied that harm reduction taken broadly means
strategies that can reduce the risk of infectious disease and other complications for
people who inject drugs. He believes it is a toolkit to interrupting HIV transmission
(including testing, medications and syringe availability), adding that they all work
together. A holistic approach to harm reduction is important, however, there are issues
getting people who inject drugs into care and services. The idea is to use the toolkit to
lead to the other services that are critical, such as through HIV testing intervention that
includes an assessment for other social needs, through treatment connected to medical
services including comprehensive medical health and a trust in individuals that provide
those gateway services (which could be a syringe service program).

Councilmember Steele asked if he was familiar with the program in Cabell County. Dr.
Daskalakis replied that he couldn’t speak specifically about various programs, but he
could say that the toolkit for Campbell County revolved around launching a full toolkit of
strategies to interrupt HIV transmission.

Councilmember Overstreet stated that he had spoken with the Fire Chief from
Huntington in Cabell County and they have a one-to-one needle exchange program,
and confirmed that Dr. Daskalakis had previously stated that their HIV cases were
decreasing.

Councilmember Snodgrass asked who had previously invited him to Charleston for his
initial presentation earlier in the year. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the invitation came
from the Chief of Staff of the Mayor’s Office. She asked for clarification at the end of his
written presentation which states that the findings are the views of the authors and not
necessarily the CDC. Dr. Daskalakis replied that it is standard language to include
because he is speaking extemporaneously. However, the current technology he is
presenting is a toolkit that is recommended by the CDC. Councilmember Snodgrass
stated that when looking at population, West Virginia has proportionally way more
needle exchange programs (13) than states with larger populations (such a Florida with
around 4). She asked if he thought there was correlation between more needle use and
HIV cases. Dr. Daskalakis added that different jurisdictions will have different needs; the
vulnerably for HIV outbreaks is also a consideration not just the size of the population in
an apples-to-apples comparison. The history in West Virginia shows that there is a
vulnerability. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if accountability would be key for

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tracing, testing etc. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the first step to achieving
epidemic/outbreak control is to establish trust and creating an environment where
individuals feel they can pursue care. In general, mandatory testing/strategies don’t do
much beyond pushing HIV further underground. He added that having accountability is
to identify strategies that are appropriate for an area and its culture to launch all of the
science in a way to prevent HIV transmission and ultimately provide people with the
care they need to potentially lead them to drug treatment.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked what are the must-haves for the toolbox. Dr.
Daskalakis replied that the 3 he presented are the ones that are needed to
interrupt/control an outbreak: diagnose (inventive and creative ways to improve testing),
treatment (it keeps people healthy and prevents HIV transmission) and create an
environment where syringes are available through a comprehensive program (so that
individuals have access to clean equipment).

Councilmember Jones referenced a letter sent to the Committee from Heath Right that
operates a comprehensive harm reduction program. He asked how many such
programs are needed in a city the size of Charleston. Dr. Daskalakis replied that he
couldn’t comment on any specific programs, but when looking at an outbreak scenario
(which the City is currently having), it is critical to not say that 1 program is enough until
the outbreak is controlled.

Councilmember Snodgrass asked if he got paid to come to Charleston. Dr. Daskalakis
replied no. She asked if he usually brings in the crime factor. Dr. Daskalakis replied that
when they talk about syringe service programs people often ask if they increase crime,
so that is commonly included in the presentation. That data is obtained from multiple
sources, including Baltimore and New York.

Councilmember King asked if the CDC tracks the number of overdoses that occur from
needles provided by SSPs. Dr. Daskalakis replied that they cannot track an overdose
based on the syringe used. Councilmember King asked if the CDC tracked lives saved
by naloxone doses given by SSPs. Dr. Daskalakis replied that it is hard to directly
connect a naloxone dose with prevention at the CDC level, but can be tracked locally.
Councilmember King asked if the numbers were total cases in Kanawha County or only
from intravenous drug use. Dr. Daskalakis replied that the numbers he presented were
related to injection drugs, but the number of total cases can be obtained from the State.

Councilmember Steele asked on behalf of another Councilmember if most of the
programs he had spoken about all over the country were overseen by medical directors.
Dr. Daskalakis replied that there is a lot of variability (some are and some are not).




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  Dr. Christine Teague, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - 0:56:39-1:08:13
Dr. Tate explained that the Ryan White Care Act provides federal funding for
comprehensive patient care, support and early intervention services (including outreach,
education, testing and linkage to care) regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.

  Dr. Susan Bissett, WV Drug Intervention Institute - 1:08:14-1:15:09
Dr. Bissett explained that the Institute’s mission is to reduce overdose deaths due to
opioids and drugs in West Virginia through advocacy, prevention, education, research
and collaboration. She discussed their recently completed public survey that analyzed
community opinions and perceptions on SUD, harm reduction and syringe exchange,
specifically in Kanawha County.

  Eric Smith, President of the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police -
 1:15:10-1:21:04
Smith gave the Committee an overview of his background as a retired Police Officer. He
stated that the issue is with SOAR and their needle distribution, and expressed concern
over needle litter and accidental needle sticks.

  Jennifer Depond, RN - 1:21:05-1:32:04
Depond shared with the Committee her experience as a nurse that cares for pregnant
women with substance abuse disorders, particularly as to how it effects children. She
added that comprehensive care is vital.

  Shawn Wanner, Fire Chief, Charleston - 1:32:05-1:34:19
Chief Wanner stated that their biggest concern was needle litter. He could not support
an agency handing out needles, unless it was a controlled exchange program that had
accountability.

  Emily Hannah, Director of the Mayor’s CARE Office - 1:34:20-1:36:33
Hannah spoke to the Committee about potential survey questions she had submitted to
the Committee at the request of the Chair. She added that the CARE Office houses the
Quick Response Team, the Homeless Outreach Coordinator and the Mental Health
Coordinator. In her opinion, a survey that creates a foundation to allow for further
information sharing and collaboration would be helpful as opposed to just an up/down
on the issue.



 3. Question and Answer with Panelists – 1:36:34-2:40:03
Councilmember McKinney stated that she thought they were there to discuss harm
reduction, but everything she had heard from the panelists concerned needle exchange.
Councilmember Steele replied that the bill that was introduced specifically takes up
syringe service programs, not the entirety of harm reduction. She added that while there
needs to be an overarching conversation, the survey questions are meant to specifically
survey first responders, public grounds and refuse workers about their feelings about
syringe service programs. The bill was first enacted in 2015 when the program first

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began, and was amended in 2018. It was decided that it would be best to reexamine
that bill in light of current events and organizations operating within the City.
Councilmember McKinney stated that it was disrespectful to spend all this time on only
one piece. Councilmember Steele added that syringe programs have to go through a
certification process. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that she would like to draft a
bill with Councilmember McKinney to address the remainder of harm reduction.

Councilmember Steele asked Dr. Bisset if she would do any part of the survey
differently. Charlee Fox, also with the WVDII, conducted the meta-analysis that helped
them develop the questions. She replied that she would add race as a demographic
component to the survey. Fox added that similar surveys averaged around 4 questions,
so she was satisfied with their choice of 6 questions.

Councilmember Snodgrass stated that she would probably disagree on their conclusion
that the majority of people believed that there should be more needle exchange
programs from the question “Do you believe there needs to be more resources?” Dr.
Bissett replied that she was probably looking at 2 different questions. From the resource
question Councilmember Snodgrass referenced, it was obvious that people felt there
was not enough adequate resources particularly during the listening sessions. Their
conclusion came from the survey question “Do you believe there should be needle
exchange programs in your community?” Councilmember Snodgrass replied that the
average citizen of the population didn’t take this survey. Dr. Bisset stated that they could
only report from who responded, and that it was also mentioned during 2 Council
meetings and 2 Public Safety meetings. Fox added that most other surveys are also
open a lot longer (2-4 months) as opposed to their time constraint of 2 weeks.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked how long it took them to analyze their data. Fox
replied that she worked anywhere from 10-14 hours a day, 5 days a week, for about 3
weeks. Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if they had a way of blocking an IP address
from taking the survey again. Dr. Bisset replied that it wouldn’t block multiple IPs, but
they could be removed during data analysis.

Councilmember Snodgrass stated that citizens cared about fire, police and roads. There
is a population that is in long-term iv-drug abuse, and she would hope that they can get
into rehab instead of encouraging long-term addiction. She added that the former
needle exchange program at the Kanawha-Charleston Heath Department became a
needle distribution program. Smith added that they would finding needles everywhere.
In response to Councilmember Snodgrass, Smith and Lieutenant Myron Boggess (CFD)
both agreed that more people were attracted to the City directly because of that needle
exchange program. Boggess was not able to recall offhand the number of house fires
for those years, adding that most of the house fires for the current year did not seem to
come from abandoned houses. Boggess added that when they did respond to fires at
abandoned houses, they had to sweep the floor with water to wash away the needles,
but that has not been as much of a trend after Health Right took over and there was
more accountability.



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Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if that trend had recently started again, and
Boggess replied that they had started to see that again although perhaps not as bad as
previously. Smith agreed.

Councilmember King added that, during the time Kanawha County Health Department
was operating their program, Charleston was the only municipality within Kanawha
County that allowed needle exchanges. He asked if they recalled an increase in people
coming to Charleston during that time to commit crimes, etc. Smith replied that people
from other counties (Logan, Mingo, etc.) specifically said they came to Charleston
because of the needle distribution. Smith added that the homeless population
skyrocketed during the same time as that program. Smith could not say if it also
attracted drug dealers.

Councilmember Snodgrass asked if given that illegal drugs were going into needles that
had been distributed, did they think that would lead to a rise in crime. Smith replied yes,
that drugs and crime go hand and hand. Councilmember Snodgrass asked if needle
distribution and increase in crime was a risk to Officers. Smith replied that the CPD had
more Officers shot at and had shot more people since 2017 than in his entire 21-year
career.

From the audience, Councilmember Pharr asked had they had noticed if needles and
syringes were found concentrated more in one part of town over another. Boggess
replied that he couldn’t accurately answer that because he is stationed in one part of
town, but needles are very present in the West Side/North Charleston area.
Councilmember Pharr asked if they saw families (when responding to fires). Boggess
replied that he wasn’t sure, but he did know that they did respond to a lot of overdoses
in the area in occupied homes. He added that they also responded to a tremendous
amount of them well in boarded-up properties. He added that they have responded to
situations with children and family members present.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked if having drug paraphernalia was an arrestable
offense. Smith replied not for syringes; however, it is in other cities. Smith added that he
had anecdotally heard that people know this and come to Charleston for that reason.
Councilmember Wesley-Plear stated that they should remember that they are
discussing people that have a chronic disease, and to be respectful of that they need to
lessen the stigma to truly do their part to improve their community. Councilmember
Steel agreed, and added that they need to be mindful of the language and terminology
they use when they are talking about people in active addiction.

Councilmember Steele confirmed that Smith was speaking for the membership of the
Fraternal Order of the Police, not the Police Department (although the Order
encompasses about 95% of the Police Department as well as 12 other Departments).
Councilmember Wesley-Plear confirmed with Smith that the Order is an additional
organization (by application with dues), and that firefighters agree that there needs to be
some sort of program like Health Right or hospital care for getting people help. He
added that there needs to be accountability to any such program.

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Councilmember King asked Depond to explain what happens to a newborn when they
are born in relation to addiction. Depond replied that 40-60% of babies born to opiate-
dependent mothers experience withdrawal. For mothers that used stimulants, babies
are high need (crying, jittery don’t eat normally, etc.). She added that it is traumatizing to
experience a newborn going through withdrawal. There is not a lot of long-term data
available. Depond added that babies may go through their treatment and into a home
still with needs.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear asked how to better build trust so that people can get
help. Dr. Teague replied that it comes back to meeting people where they are (access
and be present with them). She added there is huge mistrust in the medical community.
She added that SOAR is one of the few ways that she has been able to engage with the
people she has been tasked to take care of, because that is where she frequently sees
people that she only previously saw briefly before they were discharged. It affords her
the opportunity to provide education and other options. Dr. Teague added that she
works with both SSPs, and that she thinks there is room for improvement in both areas.
Her concern with Health Right is that they have turned people away because they are
on probation for not returning the correct number of needles. She would like to see a
solution to the waste that is being seen. While there does need to be accountability, she
does not think they are meeting the full needs of the people. She would like to have the
Health Right program improved and replicated on the West Side.

Councilmember McKinney asked if it was appropriate (for a program) to go into a
community without introducing themselves. Dr. Teague replied that it would have been
best. While she does not represent SOAR, she did not think it was done with an intent
to be deceptive. Councilmember McKinney asked if Dr. Teague was over SOAR, how
would she have introduced it to the community and to what type of accountability would
she hold herself. Dr. Teague replied that she would come to them (presumably,
Councilmembers) explaining that they would like to come in and develop a program,
asking for their input and volunteers.

Councilmember Pharr confirmed that Dr. Teague had previously stated data of 25%
African American and female and 75% white and male were from all of their enrolled
patients from their service area of 19 counties pre-2018. Since 2018, an overwhelming
number of their new cases are white male. She added that there is a high stigma in the
African American community to be tested.

Councilmember McKinney asked what where the next steps after testing. Dr. Teague
replied that they do rapid testing with double confirmation. They also try to do immediate
medical care while they are with them. Councilmember McKinney asked how effective
the testing was as well as getting people to come back to get treatment. Dr. Teague
replied that there had been 8 identified positives over the 3-month period, adding that
the numbers dropped overall once the investigation started. Of those 8, 1 has since
passed away, 2-3 have returned to the clinic at least once and they have been unable to
locate 3 (but if they return, they will be remembered and encouraged to get treatment).
Dr. Teague shared a success story with the Committee that showed that having a

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presence and patience is key.

Councilmember Steele asked on behalf on a Councilmember not present if given the
changes in HIV cases, if there was talk within her program to start any type of syringe
exchange program. Dr. Teague replied that she felt that at a minimum, as an HIV
service provider, they needed to be able to make sure the people that they identify as
positive be given syringes, but they had not been given approval to do that.

Councilmember Pharr stated she felt like the African American community is not part of
this outreach, and would suggest that her group partner with some African American
organizations. Dr. Teague agreed, and added that they had previously worked with the
Partnership for African American Churches.

Councilmember Pharr asked on behalf of a Councilmember not present where the
needs-based program on the West Side Dr. Teague previously referenced was located.
Dr. Teague replied that she was referring to SOAR.

Councilmember Pharr asked Dr. Bisset, concerning the last question of the Research
Conclusions Section, if “addict” is considered stigma-laden language. Dr. Bisset replied
that technically it is, along with “junkie”. Appropriate terms would be “person in active
addiction” or “person struggling with addiction.” Councilmember Pharr added that she
struggles with that since “addict” comes from “addiction.” Dr. Bisset stated that it is
considered a best practice from the NIH, the CDC and SAMHSA in an effort to make the
person seem more human and more than their addiction. Councilmember Wesley-Plear
added that it is important to her to use terminology that is respectful.



 4. Recess
Councilmember Overstreet motioned to recess for 5 minutes. Councilmember McKinney
seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, Councilmember Steele declared the
Committee in Recess.

Councilmember McKinney motioned to reconvince the meeting. Councilmember
Snodgrass seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, Councilmember Steele declared
the Committee reconvened.



 5. To Take Up Survey Questions – 2:41:26-3:32:05
Councilmember Steele explained that the Committee had before them 2 sets of
recommended questions provided by Councilmember King and Emily Hannah, CARES
Director, to use as a starting point. Councilmember Steele added that, in her research, it
seemed like the less questions the better. Councilmember Steele added that the survey
will have to go through the City’s IS Department, and that they are short-staffed at the
moment. Councilmember Snodgrass added that the questions submitted by

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Councilmember King have been vetted by the Chiefs of Fire and Police and the
Directors of Refuse and Public Grounds. She added that they wanted the questions to
be Yes or No to be able to represent all employees. Councilmember Steele added that
she had a problem allowing the general group of people that the survey is for to approve
the survey questions. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that the Committee suggested
that they go to the Departments to do that. Councilmember Steele stated that her
suggestion was to ask how the survey might get done, not for them to ok the actual
questions. Councilmember Snodgrass added that it will be going to the employees that
they supervise. Councilmember Steele asked who came up with the questions, and
Councilmember King replied that he and Councilmember Snodgrass did.

Councilmember King motioned to vote on all of the questions he submitted as a whole.
Councilmember Snodgrass seconded the motion. Councilmember McKinney stated that
they are supposed to be doing something for the community, and everyone on the
Committee should be able to agree, disagree or amend on each question.
Councilmember Steele asked for clarification as to which Department Heads they spoke
with, who had questions and who did not respond. Councilmember Snodgrass stated
that after the last Public Safety meeting, they were able to get the resolution approved
and did not want to have to wait many more weeks. She stated that she spoke to the
Fire Chief, the Police Chief and Brent Webster (Public Works) mainly to make sure the
questions were written as to be appropriate for their employees. She added that they
didn’t comment one way or the other. Councilmember Overstreet stated that he thought
it was suggested at the last meeting they should consult the Department Heads.
Councilmember McKinney added that she thought they were going to get their opinions
on how to do the survey and the Committee would create the questions.
Councilmember King withdrew his motion.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested that the questions that mention the Health
Department’s needle program be taken out because of the turnover in Refuse means
that most employees wouldn’t have been there in 2018 and wouldn’t necessarily know
about it. Councilmember Snodgrass replied they could then choose to answer “Don’t
Know.” Councilmember Snodgrass added that it is a reference point when talking about
needle exchange programs.




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 “Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program in 2018 was good for
 the City of Charleston?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 The Committee agreed to strike “in 2018.”
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in
 crime?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King
 Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an
 accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse employees, and first
 responders performing their job duties?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear requested that the “and” be changed to “or.” The
 Committee agreed.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: None
 With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter
 throughout the community?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: Steele
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of
 intravenous drug users coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King
 Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with
 a medical professional during each visit to the program?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.


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 “Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to
 return their used needles to receive new ones?”
 Councilmember King motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Councilmember Steele suggested that they put “all” in front of “used.”
 Councilmember McKinney suggested that “to receive new ones” be removed.
 Councilmember Steele suggested changing “needle exchange program” to
 “syringe service program.” The Committee did not agree to any proposed
 changes, and the question was voted on as originally read.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Snodgrass, King
 Nays: Wesley-Plear, Steele, McKinney
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of
 Charleston?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: None
 With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.

 “Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle
 exchange programs in the City of Charleston?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, McKinney
 Nays: Steele, King
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter
 throughout the community?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: Steele
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.




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 “Have you personally, do you work with, or do you know of someone who has
 been accidently pricked by a discarded needle?”
 Councilmember Jones suggested to remove “have you personally.”
 Councilmember Steele suggested the question be “Have you ever had to have
 an HIV test, or know of anyone who has, because of being pricked by a
 discarded needle.”
 Councilmember McKinney suggested to remove “HIV” from Councilmember
 Steele’s suggestion.
 Councilmember Steele suggested that the question be discarded.
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested that the question read “Have you been
 accidently pricked by a discarded needle in Charleston?” The Committee decided
 to vote on that change.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: Steele
 With the Yeas being in the majority, the question was approved.

 “Have you ever encountered discarded needles personally or while on the job or
 on a call?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Steele, Snodgrass, King, McKinney
 Nays: None
 With the Yeas being unanimous, the question was approved.

 “Do you feel comfortable publicly stating your opinion regarding needle exchange
 programs?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Yeas: None
 Nays: Overstreet, Jones, Wesley-Plear, Snodgrass, Steele, King, McKinney
 With the Nays being unanimous, the question was not approved.

 “Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of
 Charleston?”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear motioned to vote for approval of the question.
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested the question replace “Have you
 personally, do you work with, or do you know of someone who has been
 accidently pricked by a discarded needle?”
 The Committee agreed to the change.

 “Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?”
 The Committee was satisfied with the question.

 “Are you interested in information about proper disposal?”
 The Committee did not want to include the question.




 12


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  “Provide your thoughts on how syringes and syringe litter affect your professional
 duties.”
 The Committee did not want to include the question.

  “What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?”
 The Committee agreed for this to be the last question.

  “Where do you encounter syringes? (i.e., bagged garbage, street litter, pat down,
 overdoses, etc.)”
 Councilmember Wesley-Plear suggested replacing this question with “Have you
 ever encountered discarded needles personally or while on the job or on a call?”
 The Committee agreed.

  “Describe your understanding of harm reduction and syringe programs.”
 The Committee did not want to include the question.

  “Are you interested in education and training on harm reduction and syringe
 programs?”
 The Committee did not want to include the question.

Councilmember Jones motioned to accept the questions as discussed (reproduced
below). Councilmember Wesley-Plear seconded. With the yeas being unanimous, the
questions were approved.




Councilmember Jones motioned to adjourn. Councilmember McKinney seconded the
motion. Meeting adjourned.



 13


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 Survey Questions
1. Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
 a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW

2. Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
 a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW

3. Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick
 for the public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties?
 a. INCREASE or DECREASE

4. Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the
 community?
 a. INCREASE or DECREASE

5. Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users
 coming into the City of Charleston from outside areas?
 a. YES, NO, or DON’T KNOW

6. Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical
 professional during each visit to the program?
 a. YES or NO

7. Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used
 needles to receive new ones?
 a. YES or NO

8. Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
 a. YES or NO

9. Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in
 the City of Charleston?
 a. YES or NO

10. Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
 a. YES or NO

11. Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
 a. YES or NO

12. What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


13. What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 14


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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Results

 Survey 768644

Number of records in this query: 136
Total records in survey: 136
Percentage of total: 100.00%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for Good

 Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 8 5.88%
No (A2) 118 86.76%
Don't know (A3) 3 2.21%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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Quick statistics
Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for Good

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for CRIME

 Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 113 83.09%
No (A2) 10 7.35%
Don't know (A3) 6 4.41%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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Quick statistics
Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for CRIME

 Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?




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 Quick statistics
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 Summary for ACCIDENT

 Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the
 public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties?

Answer Count Percentage
Increase (A1) 122 89.71%
Decrease (A2) 7 5.15%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for ACCIDENT

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the
 public at large, refuse employees or first responders performing their job duties?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for LITTER

 Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?

Answer Count Percentage
Increase (A1) 122 89.71%
Decrease (A2) 7 5.15%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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  Quick statistics
  Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for LITTER

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?




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 Quick statistics
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 Summary for USERS

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming
 into the City of Charleston from outside areas?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 113 83.09%
No (A2) 9 6.62%
Don't Know (A3) 7 5.15%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for USERS

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming
 into the City of Charleston from outside areas?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for PROFESSIONAL

  Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional
 during each visit to the program?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 121 88.97%
No (A2) 8 5.88%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for PROFESSIONAL

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional
 during each visit to the program?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for RETURN

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles
 to receive new ones?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 125 91.91%
No (A2) 4 2.94%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for RETURN

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles
 to receive new ones?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for ADDITIONAL

 Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 15 11.03%
No (A2) 114 83.82%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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Quick statistics
Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for ADDITIONAL

 Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for PRIOR

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City
 of Charleston?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 58 42.65%
No (A2) 71 52.21%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for PRIOR

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City
 of Charleston?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for STUCK

 Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 23 16.91%
No (A2) 106 77.94%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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Quick statistics
Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for STUCK

 Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for HANDLE

 Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?

Answer Count Percentage
Yes (A1) 106 77.94%
No (A2) 23 16.91%
No answer 0 0.00%
Not completed or Not displayed 7 5.15%




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 Quick statistics
 Survey 768644 'First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey'




 Summary for HANDLE

 Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?




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Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
 First Responders, Refuse and Public Grounds Survey

 Survey response 1


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
No

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Not an accurate question for people who protect the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don’t treat those struggling with addiction like persons who have a deadly contagious disease. They have an illness just like those
with diabetes and cancer. Compassion and empathy go a long way, not everyone has had a fairy tale life.




 page 1 / 136
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 Survey response 2


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have encountered discarded needles in every part of the city, West Side, East End, South Hills, Kanawha City, and Midtown.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Suspend the needle program until there is a better one in place.




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 Survey response 3


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 3 / 136
 Page | 42 of
 Survey response 4


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Too many to list. The most bothersome are those areas frequented by children such as playgrounds and parks, Magic Island,
Kanawha Blvd. Abandoned houses frequented by squatters have also posed a problem due to lack of light to see the needles and
fires that are started in these structures by the squatters trying to get warm.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Only permit 1 for 1 needle exchanges. No needle giveaways or needs-based programs should be permitted. Require tracking
numbers/codes on syringes from needle exchange programs. Use the codes to track the source of the syringes and level
fines/sanctions against the programs for their clients' improper disposal of needles in public places. Needle exchange programs
should be shut down if they fail to respond to the sanctions or pay fines.




 page 4 / 136
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 Survey response 5


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have encountered discarded syringes in all areas of the city, to include seeing a child almost exposed to a needle after he bent
down to pickup a football that was thrown to him (in a neighborhood yard) If more needles are allowed to enter the city of
Charleston for the purpose of providing for illegal drug use the following will occur and more: increase in person crimes, increase
in property crimes, increase in overdoses, increase in policemen and children getting stuck unintentionally, burdensome to our
business district where most needle program customers will loiter, increase in shoplifting and let us all remember that drug users
have to steal to support their habits, the needle program would harbor these types of individuals who will be stealing from the
citizens of Charleston to support their addiction.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
One idea is to call the program what it is, a needle program! The term "Harm Reduction" is a term that is used by advocates for
the "needle program" so they can "shame" people who do not support needle distribution. It is a way to disguise "needle
distribution" with a term in attempt to make people feel guilty if they are against it. Most people have no issues with helping a
person in need with food, shelter, water or things that are necessary to live. People do have a problem with deploying a program
that provides free needles to people for illegal drug use. And I know we all hear it is for the "greater good" to decrease HIV, AIDS,
etc... The fact is, there are proven studies where cities have attempted this very model and actually have not seen a decrease in
disease but an increase in disease. PEOPLE, PLEASE WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND THAT NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION
POSES MANY DANGERS TO FIRST RESPONDERS, TRAVELERS, AND EVERY CITIZEN IN THE CITY OF CHARLESTON.
Charleston needs an administration that is willing to stand up against this threat to our pursuit of happiness and not stand in the
background hoping it goes through. STAND UP FOR YOUR CITY AND HER PEOPLE CHARLESTON ADMINISTRATIONS,
WE SHOULDNT HAVE TO DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU!
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 Survey response 6


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




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 Survey response 7


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
ALL AREAS OF THE CITY , SOME WORSE THAN OTHERS.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
HOLD PEOPLE ACOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS.




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 Survey response 8


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All sides of town

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it illegal to possess syringes for illegal activities.




 page 8 / 136
 Page | 47 of
 Survey response 9


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all over the city

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
crack down and arrest the users of the syringes




 page 9 / 136
 Page | 48 of
 Survey response 10


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all over no certain area has been more of a problem than others

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
limit the number of needles people have access to




 page 10 / 136
 Page | 49 of
 Survey response 11


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Eliminate syringes.




 page 11 / 136
 Page | 50 of
 Survey response 12


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all over

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
i dont know




 page 12 / 136
 Page | 51 of
 Survey response 13


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
m any

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
na




 page 13 / 136
 Page | 52 of
 Survey response 14


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
many

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
na




 page 14 / 136
 Page | 53 of
 Survey response 15


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
west side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
not to give them out




 page 15 / 136
 Page | 54 of
 Survey response 16


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
West Side and East End

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
??????




 page 16 / 136
 Page | 55 of
 Survey response 17


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
west side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
do away with the program




 page 17 / 136
 Page | 56 of
 Survey response 18


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
westside eastend north charleston

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
dont give them out ,and have a designated people to come pick them up.




 page 18 / 136
 Page | 57 of
 Survey response 19


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The East End of Charleston, Ive recovered needles from playgrounds,restaurants, store restrooms, dog parks, and various other
areas.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop the needle hand outs!




 page 19 / 136
 Page | 58 of
 Survey response 20


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
its at every stop we come to.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
we have to use the backhoe to get rid of everything at that address we come to. This needle exchange was a VERY bad idea....




 page 20 / 136
 Page | 59 of
 Survey response 21


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
biohazzard drop boxes




 page 21 / 136
 Page | 60 of
 Survey response 22


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
In vacant homes in the city, on sidewalks around businesses.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make sure these needles are marked and can be traced back to the company that distributed them. When one of us gets stuck by
a needle we want to know who to come and look for.




 page 22 / 136
 Page | 61 of
 Survey response 23


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Public parks, abandoned houses, sidewalks, purses, parking lots, open fields, vehicles (including glove compartments and floor
boards) and residence yards. Basically anywhere a transient can walk you can expect to find a discarded needle.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
You can't litter what you don't have. I believe the city should prohibit the giving of needles and Narcan completely. It only
encourages the behavior which I think everyone can agree is not favorable. Instead of giving an addict the tools they need to
continue their habit, and have them view the city as supporting them, they should be providing services for assistance in recovery.
Encourage the breaking of the habit rather than continuing it. This will clean up our streets, make our parks safer for our children,
ease the emergency services responsibilities, and ultimately save lives! There is no other option.




 page 23 / 136
 Page | 62 of
 Survey response 24


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Sidewalks, apartment buildings, Haddad Riverfront Park, grocery store parking lots

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Unknown




 page 24 / 136
 Page | 63 of
 Survey response 25


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
City limits

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make syringes illegal to possess again




 page 25 / 136
 Page | 64 of
 Survey response 26


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East End, West side, KC, & South Hills

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make the public aware of how to properly dispose of syringes.




 page 26 / 136
 Page | 65 of
 Survey response 27


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East and West sides of Charleston

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
none




 page 27 / 136
 Page | 66 of
 Survey response 28


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Where haven't I? I'm a police officer and I have encountered it everywhere. Around the mall, the Mary Ratrie Greenspace, Clay
Center, Coliseum, any abandoned home I've entered, random sidewalks, beside the Stop N' Go, I could go on and on.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
It needs to be a 1:1 exchange. I understand this isn't best practices for reducing HIV/HEP rates, but no one is taking into
consideration how these unregulated needle exchanges increases crime. Access to free needles increases the amount of drug
users in Charleston, which then increases the amount of drug dealers, it is simple supply/demand. With an increase in drug
dealers you have more violent crime. Also, when an area of our town is littered with needles and those who use them, nobody
wants to invest in that area.




 page 28 / 136
 Page | 67 of
 Survey response 29


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Playgrounds, Parks, on the street.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop giving them out.




 page 29 / 136
 Page | 68 of
 Survey response 30


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Multiple areas of the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not compromise the safety of all citizens of Charleston to accommodate addicts.




 page 30 / 136
 Page | 69 of
 Survey response 31


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Shanklin parking garage; various city streets

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
N/A




 page 31 / 136
 Page | 70 of
 Survey response 32


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Parking garage at civic center

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not give them out so they will stop coming to charleston. lowering the amount of people who are in position of neddles in
the city




 page 32 / 136
 Page | 71 of
 Survey response 33


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Boulevard; downtown sidewalks

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I am not sure.




 page 33 / 136
 Page | 72 of
 Survey response 34


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
the bulk of needles are found in alleys and places where homeless people hang together

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
limit the amount of needles and have designated locations for drop-offs




 page 34 / 136
 Page | 73 of
 Survey response 35


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
No

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Magic Island
Town Center Garage
Civic Center Garage
Gas Stations
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Shut down the needle exchange program




 page 35 / 136
 Page | 74 of
 Survey response 36


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Civic Center Garage, Town Center Garage, and along the boulevard near the river.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop handing out syringes to drug users




 page 36 / 136
 Page | 75 of
 Survey response 37


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Yards, street gutters, public park (not playground)

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
One for One exchange. No dirty needles brought in, no clean needles given out. Hand out sharps containers with the clean
needles. Give them gift cards for returning extra dirty needles, or some kind of incentive for picking up discarded needles and
bringing them in.




 page 37 / 136
 Page | 76 of
 Survey response 38


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Mostly the East End and West Side. I have seen them mostly in abandoned homes, streets and sidewalks. The worst place I
have seen them is in public parks and school playgrounds where children play. These are common places for drug addicts to
congregate, not diabetics as one health professional in support of needle distribution claimed to be a big part of the problem. As a
first responder, I have never encountered a diabetic discarding their needles where it shouldn't be. I have personally witness drug
addicts discard their needles many times in areas that are not acceptable.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I am against needle distribution but, if needle distribution continues, it needs to be housed in a building where medical experts are
available to assist with testing, counseling, and rehab. A mobile distribution center makes it extremely convenient for drug users
not seeking counseling or rehab access to drug paraphernalia and with zero accountability enabling drug users and needles will
once again litter the city. With needle litter, I believe needle distributors should have some identifying mark on their needles and
completely be held accountable if needle litter is found anywhere in the city other than a proper disposal area. There should be a
city ordinance fining those distribution centers and an order of clean up throughout the city to prevent needle sticks of the general
public and first responders.




 page 38 / 136
 Page | 77 of
 Survey response 39


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have seen them streets of Charleston in various places as well as in restrooms all across the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
We need to stop the needle exchange program as a whole. This is just causing more problems for the city, our city workers and
first responders.




 page 39 / 136
 Page | 78 of
 Survey response 40


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All sides of town, but primarily on the West Side and the East End.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Harm reduction programs should require a visit to an actual facility staffed with trained professionals in order to receive syringes.
A dollar for dollar / hour for hour effort should be mandated for harm reduction programs that balance distribution and service with
preventative education starting with school aged children.




 page 40 / 136
 Page | 79 of
 Survey response 41


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The west side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Elimination of all Syringe programs. Make hyperdermic needles paraphernalia and illegal to possess. If people cannot have these
items in the city they risk being arrested, if they are arrested enough they will leave our city.




 page 41 / 136
 Page | 80 of
 Survey response 42


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Each side of town

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop giving out syringes!




 page 42 / 136
 Page | 81 of
 Survey response 43


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The whole city of Charleston

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop giving syringes to drug addicts.




 page 43 / 136
 Page | 82 of
 Survey response 44


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
transit, along river banks, in abandoned homes

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
require a brick and mortar establishment.




 page 44 / 136
 Page | 83 of
 Survey response 45


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
stop giving out syringes




 page 45 / 136
 Page | 84 of
 Survey response 46


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Any common area to transit homeless in downtown area East to West .

In and around many residences on East and West that is known to hold drug uses or
Wondering homeless . Which is multiple places throughout the city .
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Charleston has become a desirable place to come and stay for transit criminals and homeless. Which is where we are today.
The multiple free services and open arms environment is not the method for an individual to change. A vast majority of
Drug addicts get to where they have some degree of metal issues and lack self respect for themselves and others . Sticking a
needle inside ones body is agreed to be irresponsible. Same irresponsible individuals
Are expected to be responsible and return them?




 page 46 / 136
 Page | 85 of
 Survey response 47


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All sides of town ( Charleston )

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
one for one exchange
or instead of providing the addicts with needles & syringes, provide easy access and admission to rehabilitation ( most facilities
require insurance ) most addicts do not work and does not have personal insurance / benefits.




 page 47 / 136
 Page | 86 of
 Survey response 48


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
streets , alleys and river banks to mentions just a few

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
If the needle exchange does happen again, but to note I'm fully against. However there has to be accountability for the user and
the business that is providing the service.




 page 48 / 136
 Page | 87 of
 Survey response 49


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 49 / 136
 Page | 88 of
 Survey response 50


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
to many to name them all but here are a few locations, Motel/Hotels, playgrounds, school grounds, sidewalks, public restrooms,
etc.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
We all know those that want to use intravenously will continue to do so whether safe or not. But creating an exchange providing
not simply clean syringes but an abundant supply of syringes that will be left in areas where people can and will be exposed is not
the answer. Helping one sector while alienating the other in the name of whatever it may be called is not the way things should be
done. Condoning wrong behavior by trying to make said behavior safer is not the answer. We must provide a way out to those that
are addicted not a way to continue. Stopping the spread of disease is important, but stopping the use of addicting drugs is the
bigger picture that provides the answer all want. Mental health has a big role in this and i feel is being left out of the equation.




 page 50 / 136
 Page | 89 of
 Survey response 51


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 51 / 136
 Page | 90 of
 Survey response 52


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere West, East , and South

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
One for one exchange
Bar coded needles
Punishment for not properly discarded needles
City code for being in possession of a uncapped needle




 page 52 / 136
 Page | 91 of
 Survey response 53


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I found discarded needles on all 3 sides of town (west, east, & south).

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
stop giving them away!!!

I understand the theory of trying to reduce certain communicable diseases among drug addicts. However, I believe the theoretical
benefit to drug addicts is far out weighed by the real harm of potentially exposing the entire population to being stuck by a
contaminated needle. The discarded needles from those within the drug addict population will likely be contaminated by the very
types of diseases that those who are in favor of "harm reduction" want to contain.




 page 53 / 136
 Page | 92 of
 Survey response 54


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East end

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Needle exchange programs should be accountable for a one for one exchange program.




 page 54 / 136
 Page | 93 of
 Survey response 55


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
on the streets, not usually at any one stop but have seen them at stops as well

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
they are gonna be there with or without harm reduction, need to control the HIV outbreak before it gets worse




 page 55 / 136
 Page | 94 of
 Survey response 56


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 56 / 136
 Page | 95 of
 Survey response 57


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Don't know

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East, West and South

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
1 for 1 exchange with the place the person got the syringe




 page 57 / 136
 Page | 96 of
 Survey response 58


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Mainly the East End / Kanawha City

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Model Health Rights program




 page 58 / 136
 Page | 97 of
 Survey response 59


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The entire city but mostly the west side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it illegal to carry an uncapped needle, do not give out needles




 page 59 / 136
 Page | 98 of
 Survey response 60


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have encountered syringes laying about in every part of the city

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Health rites program is the way to go give back your syringes to get more and serial numbers to track them.




 page 60 / 136
 Page | 99 of
 Survey response 61


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
West side, East End, and Kanawha City

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don't give needles to junkies, help the diabetics!




 page 61 / 136
 Page | 100 of
 Survey response 62


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The entire city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
A contact number for the people dispensing the needles so they can pick the needles up.




 page 62 / 136
 Page | 101 of
 Survey response 63


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All sides of town

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don’t do the exchange program




 page 63 / 136
 Page | 102 of
 Survey response 64


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Many locations on the east end, west side, and south side where known intravenous drug users frequently travel and congregate.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Harsher penalties for the distribution of drugs that are used intravenously. Harsher penalties for theft related crimes, these are
typically committed by people who steal to buy drugs.




 page 64 / 136
 Page | 103 of
 Survey response 65


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Homes, sidewalks, flower beds, everywhere imaginable

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Magnetized street sweeper




 page 65 / 136
 Page | 104 of
 Survey response 66


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Down Town, East End, West Side, Kanawha City and North Charleston.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Should be properly disposed of just as the many diabetics have in the past.
We really don't have a needle or syringe problem...




 page 66 / 136
 Page | 105 of
 Survey response 67


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Decrease the amount of needles given to the general public and bring back strict penalties for discarding used syringes. The city
has too many programs for drug users and the homeless. By providing these services, we are attracting the wrong people to the
City of Charleston. These individuals are running our businesses and citizens out of the city. We need to put more revenue and
support into providing for our law abiding non drug addicted citizens and attract visitors to our city. This will bring back
businesses and people moving into the city limits which will bring in greater revenue. The current policies are ruining our city step
by step. Take care of the people who actually care about the city.




 page 67 / 136
 Page | 106 of
 Survey response 68


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Not have the needle exchange program at all. I remember encountering more chances to get stuck when the program was in place
on overdose related calls and others, due to people having even more needles in their possession.




 page 68 / 136
 Page | 107 of
 Survey response 69


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All precincts.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Prosecution, rehabiliation , work, life planning until they get it right. Progressively add more time to sentences for repeat offenders.
Work programs similar to the old 1930's era CC Corps. Have them doing work that benefits everyone but, there are no or limited
funds for. Examples; cleaning creek and riverbeds of debris. Making these areas more conducive to marine life and for recreation.
Brush control and beautification projects (trees, landscaping etc.). Infrastructure using whats at hand and / or cheap. Cutting and
placing stone for erosion control and beautification. Pay would include say $1 / hr. with housing, medical, food etc. included. They
get their accumulated funds at the end of their sentence. A third offense OD, needle violation etc. gets them a six month senetence
that they can get behind them as soon as they have completed 1000 hours of training and work time for example. An 80 hr. week
would turn a six month sentence into a three month sentence. what we are doing does not work. Just jailing them is not the
answer. Letting them potentially hurt others for their convenience while making some feel good about how wonderful they are, as
long as no one they care about gets hurt, is not the answer either. Love, meaning actually pushing them to be better no matter how
uncomfortable making them uncomfortable is, is the answer. A boot upside a persons ass when they need it is a good thing. Better
than a meaningless life full of heartache and pain on oneself, those close to them and society as a whole.




 page 69 / 136
 Page | 108 of
 Survey response 70


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
EAST SIDE
WEST SIDE
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
No syringe/needle exchange program




 page 70 / 136
 Page | 109 of
 Survey response 71


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
West and East.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Needle exchange program where individuals meet with medical professionals about their condition.




 page 71 / 136
 Page | 110 of
 Survey response 72


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Play grounds, McDonald's play houses, city streets, stores and businesses, the Capitol grounds, downtown Charleston.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I am not inherently against needle exchange programs. I truly appreciate the well-meaning volunteers, although I do not agree
with handing these out on street corners in residential areas or parking lots. There are two keys to a potentially successfully
needle exchange program though: the word "exchange," i.e. the strict adherence of bringing back your old needles for new ones,
and obtaining them from medical professionals who offer rehabilitation and other medical services on scene. The basis of
success for the program should NOT be based off of the quantity of needles handed out to the public, yet rather the decrease in
transmitted diseases and also the increase in referring people successfully to rehabilitation.

Thank you for allowing our feedback! It is truly appreciated.




 page 72 / 136
 Page | 111 of
 Survey response 73


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
east west and south district

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
dont increase the amount of needles into the city




 page 73 / 136
 Page | 112 of
 Survey response 74


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
BLVD, East End, and Westside

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Have syringe collection sites throughout the City specifically in high drug use areas.




 page 74 / 136
 Page | 113 of
 Survey response 75


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Address the unauthorized needle exchanges in the city and get rid of them.




 page 75 / 136
 Page | 114 of
 Survey response 76


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 76 / 136
 Page | 115 of
 Survey response 77


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Enforce exchange strictly




 page 77 / 136
 Page | 116 of
 Survey response 78


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere in the City, to include city parks, roadways/alleyways, public and private bathrooms, all manner of
businesses/restaurants.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Reinstate the City Ordinance allowing police to issue a citation, if found they can prove who discarded the syringe litter and if they
are in a program or not. If not be able to cite if they are not in a program.




 page 78 / 136
 Page | 117 of
 Survey response 79


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
west side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
dont give needles out




 page 79 / 136
 Page | 118 of
 Survey response 80


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
almost everywhere in the city.i recently discarded a needle in front of a school on gordon drive last week.and that wasnt the only
time i have found them near a school
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
dont past them out to anyone who is not willing to not go into a treatment program it should be a limit or time period for the
exchange for anyone whos using to cut them off if not willing to seek help




 page 80 / 136
 Page | 119 of
 Survey response 81


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Nowhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Mandatory exchange




 page 81 / 136
 Page | 120 of
 Survey response 82


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Don't know

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Kanawha City

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I really don't know.




 page 82 / 136
 Page | 121 of
 Survey response 83


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East and West

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not allow an exchange program and increase training for employees




 page 83 / 136
 Page | 122 of
 Survey response 84


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 84 / 136
 Page | 123 of
 Survey response 85


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Abandoned structures, city parks and sidewalks in the 5000 block of MacCorkle Ave SE

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
1 for 1 exchange. IV users should have to see a doctor and be given information on rehab.




 page 85 / 136
 Page | 124 of
 Survey response 86


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Needles can and are found anywhere in the City. Providing free needles increases the likelihood subjects will use drugs. A needle
exchange program is nothing more than a person who enables an addicted person.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not have a needle exchange program. Reinstate the criminal penalties, including jail time, for the possession of needles. Make
criminal penalties for people who provide needles to anyone for criminal purposes.




 page 86 / 136
 Page | 125 of
 Survey response 87


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Abandoned homes, alleyways

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Barcodes identifiable to an individual.




 page 87 / 136
 Page | 126 of
 Survey response 88


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not let another needle program start. Stop catering to the homeless which will deter them from coming to our city which will in
turn lessen the needle users and needle trash.




 page 88 / 136
 Page | 127 of
 Survey response 89


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Each side of the city. West, South and East

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I would like to address the survey. This is definitely a skewed survey by the lack of relevant answers. What is your favorite color
blue or red? Not a lot of options. The needed exchange program has been proven to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis.
West Virginia is leading the nation in Hepatitis. It is a no brainer that the programs are needed. The issue is the programs are not
ran properly. It should be a one for one exchange. There should be prevention and substance abuse counselors available during
the exchange. Like crime at the Town Center, this issue has been blown out of proportion. Needles are not everywhere like the
news and city officials are leading people to believe.




 page 89 / 136
 Page | 128 of
 Survey response 90


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Throughout the city

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don't allow needle programs




 page 90 / 136
 Page | 129 of
 Survey response 91


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
No

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I personally have recovered or known of recovered syringes in all parts of the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
More public sharps disposal access points. Of course this comes with buy in from the public and breaking the dreaded stigma.
A more personal approach to those who receive the syringes that counseling can occur and emphasis on being disciplined and
not carelessly discarding syringes.




 page 91 / 136
 Page | 130 of
 Survey response 92


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All over the westside, near the homeless shelters and mana meal, and upper Kanawha City

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I like health rights needles that have a barcode on them. The needles I find working never have a barcode. If a syringe is found
with a barcode the PD should have the ability to scan the barcode and see who it belongs too. Once the syringe's ownership is
found, that person should be charged and a mandatory one night in jail or must pick up trash in the city for a four hour block.




 page 92 / 136
 Page | 131 of
 Survey response 93


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have found them in multiple homes alley's playgrounds and other public areas.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
If the needle exchange program would require users to return all the needles they use then it would make them less prone to
discarding them.




 page 93 / 136
 Page | 132 of
 Survey response 94


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Lilith the amount of syringes issued and make sure they keep a 1 for 1 swap.




 page 94 / 136
 Page | 133 of
 Survey response 95


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all areas !

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Prosecute for paraphernalia and endangering people exposed to their negligence.




 page 95 / 136
 Page | 134 of
 Survey response 96


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
In all areas of Charleston

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
One for one needle exchanges and fines and penalties to those distributing needles causing syringe litter.




 page 96 / 136
 Page | 135 of
 Survey response 97


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All around the city, from commercial to residential areas, including recreational areas.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Currently there are no consequences for using heroin and improper disposal of syringes. There needs to be some sort of
consequence, mandatory rehab?




 page 97 / 136
 Page | 136 of
 Survey response 98


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Pretty much everywhere. Playgrounds, alleyways, vacant houses, on persons etc...

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I would suggest a 1 for 1 exchange where the serial number is linked to the individual . I also would suggest that they participant
voluntarily sign a waiver to have not their identity but their infectious diseases released to any medical staff or first responder for
the purpose of properly treating anyone who receives an accidental needle stick. I would also suggest that they take a mandatory
blood draw that tests for infectious diseases as well as be offered drug rehab and counseling.




 page 98 / 136
 Page | 137 of
 Survey response 99


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The one that stands out the most is I had a small boy come to me during Live on the Levee and tell me about multiple discarded
syringes down near the boat ramp/stage area where he and other kids were playing. Also, in the bathrooms at the mall. Just about
any out-of-the-way place, and sometimes not so out-of-the-way places, people can go to use drugs.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not permit needle exchange programs in our city. As much as I want to slow the spread of disease and help people who are
addicted, the amount of crime and influx of drug addicts and the issues associated with them that directly affect Charleston in a
negative way are overwhelming. It's literally killing this great little city.




 page 99 / 136
 Page | 138 of
 Survey response 100


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
The entire city

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Not trying to be heartless, but, if you feed a stray animal.




 page 100 / 136
 Page | 139 of
 Survey response 101


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Behind Marty's tire, in alleyways, on children's playgrounds such as celebration station, in Davis Park, at Haddad Riverfront
Park,Mary Ratree greenspace, Magic Island, Along the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, under interstate, in the Mall, in parking garages
, basically everywhere you can imagine.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Drug users care enough to pick up their own litter. ...but that won't happen




 page 101 / 136
 Page | 140 of
 Survey response 102


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All sides of town, parks, public restrooms.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it a crime to possess syringes without medical documentation




 page 102 / 136
 Page | 141 of
 Survey response 103


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of town except for south hills
I’ve had the needle scrap my hands and wrist, so close to be penetrated by a “dirty” used needle with people that had hepatitis
and or AIDS.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Just being completely honest- the “users” don’t go by any rules that will be set in place because they broke the rules to begin with
by becoming a user. Yes people can change, so let’s not add to their addiction by giving them more needles and don’t excuse
their behavior. They need to be locked up in a facility (to help them) where they can slowly be taken off their drug addiction. Let’s
help them with a solution, not bend the rules for them. Giving them new syringes and no help.... isn’t helping them at all. Let’s find
a large building, give them medical staff and control their addiction until they are suitable to face society again (reasonably). The
halfway houses and other programs don’t work because the addict is allowed to wonder around and that’s when they get their
drug of choice. What I recommend, needs to be a locked facility, give them their life back by taking away their addiction. I can
go into more details, but I have my doubts anyone reads this anyways, if they do, they won’t consider it.




 page 103 / 136
 Page | 142 of
 Survey response 104


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of town

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
A one-for-one exchange of needles




 page 104 / 136
 Page | 143 of
 Survey response 105


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
No needle exchange program !!!




 page 105 / 136
 Page | 144 of
 Survey response 106


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
all areas

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
if there is a needle exchange program in Charleston it should be a needle for needle exchange




 page 106 / 136
 Page | 145 of
 Survey response 107


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Throughout

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Discontinue of needle programs




 page 107 / 136
 Page | 146 of
 Survey response 108


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Leon Sullivan Way, Davis Park

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it a separate offense for unlawful or improper disposal of needles on public or private property with jail time. one for one
exchange




 page 108 / 136
 Page | 147 of
 Survey response 109


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Entire City

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
more accountability to the program giving out the needles.




 page 109 / 136
 Page | 148 of
 Survey response 110


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of the City, from Kanawha City to the West Side. On open streets, Alley's and in business'.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do not give them out without some type of accountability, i.e. ID required when exchanging. Only a one for one exchange program
should be utilized, and only the needles/syringes given out, not tourniquets, cotton filter, etc.. This should not be an enabling
program but a public health/safety program to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, while at the same time protecting the
larger population from accidental needle sticks and litter.




 page 110 / 136
 Page | 149 of
 Survey response 111


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Numerous different areas. They've been located in playgrounds, public restrooms, parks and streets.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Do away with the needle exchange program. If there is going to be needle exchange, then it should be a 1 for 1 trade. The
needles could also be marked to where they could be linked to a specific distributor, and the distributor could be held accountable
for multiple occurrences of syringe litter.




 page 111 / 136
 Page | 150 of
 Survey response 112


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
East end around CAMC General Hospital

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
N/A, new officer




 page 112 / 136
 Page | 151 of
 Survey response 113


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
N/A new officer

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
N/A new officer




 page 113 / 136
 Page | 152 of
 Survey response 114


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
na new officer

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
get rid of the program




 page 114 / 136
 Page | 153 of
 Survey response 115


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Don't know

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
n/a New officer

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
N/A New officer




 page 115 / 136
 Page | 154 of
 Survey response 116


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
N/A new officer

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
N/A new officer




 page 116 / 136
 Page | 155 of
 Survey response 117


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All areas of the city.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
I do not support the needle exchange program, I personally believe that it has increased the crime rates and has encouraged the
addiction.




 page 117 / 136
 Page | 156 of
 Survey response 118


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
No

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
No

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
n/a new officer

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
n/a new officer




 page 118 / 136
 Page | 157 of
 Survey response 119


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
under the interstate bridge

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
do away with it




 page 119 / 136
 Page | 158 of
 Survey response 120


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Decrease

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
none

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
none




 page 120 / 136
 Page | 159 of
 Survey response 121


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
No

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have encountered needles on all sides of the city, east, west and south.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
A 1 for 1 exchange with some type of tracking, like a bar code, is the only way a needle exchange can work and still keep the
employees and citizens of this city safe. It is ridiculous to think that is an acceptable program to hand out hundreds of thousand
needles and be good with only receiving half that amount or less back. I would also like to see a system where needles are only
given to residents of this city or perhaps or Kanawha County. This would help stop the influx of people from other counties or
states coming here and adding to our homeless population.




 page 121 / 136
 Page | 160 of
 Survey response 122


 Survey Questions

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?


What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?




 page 122 / 136
 Page | 161 of
 Survey response 123


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
EAST/WEST/SOUTH AREA

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
ENSURE THAT NEEDLES ARE RETURNED BEFORE THEY CAN GET ANY OTHER!




 page 123 / 136
 Page | 162 of
 Survey response 124


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Haddad Park

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
If there are less needles distributed and/or used, then there will be less syringe liter. Focus on the source of the problem (the
users).




 page 124 / 136
 Page | 163 of
 Survey response 125


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Don't know

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Don't Know

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Some on the East end and some on the West Side

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
one for one exchange and maybe some disposal areas in strategic places that they can be dropped off in a secure container.




 page 125 / 136
 Page | 164 of
 Survey response 126


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All over during needle exchange.

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don’t pass them out. You have a responsibility to protect your employees from harms way.
Employee safety should be first, not a needle exchange program.




 page 126 / 136
 Page | 165 of
 Survey response 127


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
In downtown area, near businesses and on playgrounds of Piedmont Elementary and near Charleston Catholic

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
We don't need it in this city




 page 127 / 136
 Page | 166 of
 Survey response 128


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Westside and East End

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
The property owners should be responsible for the clean up and upkeep of their property. When the needle exchange program
was in place there was yards all over the westside with piles of needles in them.




 page 128 / 136
 Page | 167 of
 Survey response 129


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it illegal to have a syringe in your possession unless you have a prescription for them for a legitimate medical reason.




 page 129 / 136
 Page | 168 of
 Survey response 130


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
No

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
All over the city

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Stop giving away needles




 page 130 / 136
 Page | 169 of
 Survey response 131


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
Yes

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
I have seen discarded needles laying in the parks on the ground, I have seen needles laying in the roadways, I have seen needles
on sidewalks, in homes, and also discarded left laying in businesses.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
More disposal boxes located throughout the city that the public and users may use as needed to discard used needles.




 page 131 / 136
 Page | 170 of
 Survey response 132


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Everywhere

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make it criminal again if you do not need it for medical/preexisting condition




 page 132 / 136
 Page | 171 of
 Survey response 133


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
city wide

What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
If the they are going to give syringes out then require them to turn the used needles back in. Or they don't receive any more.




 page 133 / 136
 Page | 172 of
 Survey response 134


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
Yes

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
From the East to the West, and North to South. High and low everywhere in between. After the program was shut down there
was a noticeable decline of used needles located on the street/ on individuals. This will without a doubt increase as more are
handed out. Therefor increasing the chance of innocent people getting stuck by a dirty needle.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Don't hand them out, period. Let's just use common sense on this, more needles will do more harm than good. People that have
no idea what PD deals with can't understand how big a problem this is. Come join me on one of my frequent abandoned house
searches where there are needles left laying around like cigarette butts, not one or two but literally dozens of open dirty needles.
The individuals in support of this need to stop and think for a moment about what it would be like to to put this uniform on and deal
with the many dangers of being a Police Officer every day. On top of that worry about getting stuck by a filthy, disease infested
needle. Then having to spend the rest of their life on HIV medication because they contracted it from a suspect with a hidden,
uncapped dirty needle. Addiction is a serious problem and I do have compassion for those that need help, but giving them tools to
just feed the addiction is not the answer. Supporting this needle "exchange" is a punch in the gut to law enforcement, and
emergency responders. It's a heartless and thoughtless thing to do regarding the individuals that have been stuck by a dirty
needle. As well as a slap in the face to their families. Let's put our time, effort, money into healing individuals from their addictions
instead of condoning it. God Bless and good day.




 page 134 / 136
 Page | 173 of
 Survey response 135


 Survey Questions

Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
No

Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
No

Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
employees or first responders performing their job duties?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
Increase

Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
Charleston from outside areas?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
program?
Yes

Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
Yes

Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
No

Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
Yes

Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
No

Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
Yes

What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
Throughout the city there have been an uptick in discarded needles. Additionally, with my job I have access to work throughout
the county. With this we have been seeing more needles that are clearly coming from exchange programs. After speaking to the
individuals that possess these needles, it was determined that these individuals are traveling from neighboring towns and cities to
collect needles.
What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
Make possession of syringes, and the discarding of syringes illegal within city limits.




 page 135 / 136
 Page | 174 of
 Survey response 136


 Survey Questions

 Do you believe the Health Department’s needle program was good for the City of Charleston?
 No

 Do you believe the Health Department’s Needle Program led to an increase in crime?
 Yes

 Do you believe needle programs increase or decrease the likelihood of an accidental needle prick for the public at large, refuse
 employees or first responders performing their job duties?
 Increase

 Do you believe that needle programs increase or decrease syringe litter throughout the community?
 Increase

 Do you believe that needle programs result in an increase in the number of intravenous drug users coming into the City of
 Charleston from outside areas?
 Yes

 Do you believe participants in a needle program should be required to meet with a medical professional during each visit to the
 program?
 Yes

 Do you believe participants in a needle exchange program should be required to return their used needles to receive new ones?
 Yes

 Do you believe additional needle programs are needed in the City of Charleston?
 Yes

 Prior to this survey, have you been asked for your opinion regarding needle exchange programs in the City of Charleston?
 No

 Have you been stuck by a needle in the course of your work with the City of Charleston?
 No

 Do you know how to properly handle syringe litter?
 No

 What area of the City have you encountered discarded syringes?
 city parks.. Pennsylvania ave .. under pass.. the kanawha blv.. just about any flower bed its really bad out here

 What ideas do you have to address syringes and syringe litter?
 stop givein them syrings if they dont have none they cant throw them down and they would go to the next town that does they take
 to good of care of them around here to get them to keep moving and the biggest thing is they need to get the cops to get the drugs
 off the street... NO SYRINGES




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 Page | 175 of
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
 Bill No. 7893

 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council:

 January 19, 2021

 Introduced by: Referred to:

 Sam Minardi, Adam Knauff, Pat Jones Public Safety
 Shannon Snodgrass, Bruce King,
 Deanna McKinney, Jennifer Pharr,
 Jeanine Faegre and Chuck Overstreet

 1 Bill No. 7893 - A BILL to amend and reenact Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of
 2 the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston and to repeal Sections 78-396 and 78-397
 3 of said Code, all relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the
 4 City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification as a
 5 Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any required
 6 state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide exceptions, and
 7 establishing penalties for violations.
 8
 9 Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston:
10
11 That Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of
12 Charleston is amended and reenacted, and that Sections 78-396 and 78-397 of said
13 Code are repealed, all to read as follows:
14
15 Subdivision II. - Sale, Marketing, and Distribution of Hypodermic Needles and
16 Syringes
17
18 Sec. 78-381. - Sale, marketing and distribution Distribution of hypodermic
19 needles; state license certification required.
20
21 It shall be unlawful for any person or persons as principal, clerk, agent, or servant or
22 otherwise acting individually or on behalf of any entity, organization or group to sell,
23 market, or distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used
24 or designed for injecting substances into the human body, without obtaining and having
25 certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the West Virginia Bureau for Public
26 Health within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and any
27 and all licenses required under state law to do so: except that, items distributed by or
28 exchanged at a needle exchange program sponsored or approved by the Chief of
29 Police of the Charleston Police Department, as provided by Subdivision III herein, are
30 thereby approved and are not unlawful.
31
32 Sec. 78-382. - Compliance with state law and regulations.
33




 Page | 176 of
34 Every person, entity, organization, or group certified or licensed to sell, market, or
35 distribute hypodermic needles shall comply with all applicable state law and regulations.
36
37 Subdivision III. - Needle Exchange Program
38
39 Sec. 78-383. - Penalty.
40 Any person violating any provision of this subdivision shall, if convicted, be guilty of a
41 misdemeanor and be fined not less than five hundred ten dollars nor more than one
42 thousand five hundred dollars for the first offense and succeeding offenses. Each day
43 that such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.
44
45 Sec. 78-396. - Needle exchange program authorized.
46
47 The City of Charleston, by and through its Chief of Police, may sponsor, approve, or
48 participate in a program or programs within the City of Charleston for the distribution or
49 exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed
50 for injecting substances into the human body.
51
52 Sec. 78-397. – Rules and regulations; Chief of Police authorized.
53
54 The Chief of Police of the City of Charleston Police Department is authorized to
55 promulgate reasonable rules or regulations deemed necessary to implement and
56 administer a program within the City of Charleston provided for in Section 78-396 for
57 the distribution or exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects
58 used or designed for injecting substances into the human body.




 Page | 177 of

MINUTES
 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:00 P. M., MARCH 30, 2021


Keeley Steele, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council
Committee on Public Safety to order at 5:00 p.m., MARHC 30, 2021 in West Hall 1 of
the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, and was made available as a live
stream via Zoom per the agenda.

Committee Members Present:
Keeley Steele, Chair
Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair
Pat Jones
Bruce King
Deanna McKinney
Shannon Snodgrass
Tiffany Wesley-Plear

Other Councilmembers Present:
Adam Knauff
Jennifer Pharr




 1. Approval of Previous Minutes –
Councilmember Snodgrass moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on
2-24-2021. Councilmember King seconded the motion. There was no objection and the
minutes were approved.

 1
 2. To Review the Results of the Survey – The results of the survey can be viewed
 https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=1220&key=-1&mod=-
 1&mk=-1&nov=0 and will be made available upon request to the Clerk’s Office

Councilmember King stated that the results of the survey speak for itself. He
appreciated the time of those involved that completed the survey.

Councilmember Snodgrass noted that
  86.76% of the respondents do not believe that the Health Department’s needle
 program was good for the City of Charleston.
  83% believe that the Health Department’s needle program led to an increase in
 crime.
  89.7% believed tat needle programs increase the likelihood of an accidental
 needle prick for the public, Refuse employees and First Responders.
  89.7% believed that needle programs increase syringe litter throughout the
 community.
  83% believed that needle programs result in an increase in the number of
 intravenous drug users coming into the City from outside areas.
  88.9% believed that participants in a needle program should be required to meet
 with a medical professional during each visit to the program.
  91.9% believed that participants in a needle exchange program should be
 required to return their used needles to receive new ones.
  83.8% did not believe that additional needle programs are needed within the City.
  52.2% had not been asked for their opinion regarding needle exchange programs
 in the City of Charleston.
  16.9% have been stuck by a needle in the course of their work.
  77.9% know how to properly handle a syringe needle.
Councilmember Snodgrass added that it is imperative that they listen to their first
responders.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that while all the responses were from City
workers, there really wasn’t a breakdown of how many from each department there
were. Some professions are more exposed than others. Councilmember Wesley-Plear
added that was also a difference in the Health Department’s program in 2018 versus
recently.

Councilmember Steele added that according to the HR reports that she received (dating
from 2015), the majority of incidents involving needles came from Refuse. She added
that the source of those discarded needles (from diabetics, drug use or other) is not
known. The second highest degree of incidents were from the CPD (none reported in
2016). There were no reported incidents from the Fire Department since 2015.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear stated that it is important to note that 77.9% knew how to
properly handle a syringe needle, because education is important and should continue.

Councilmember Snodgrass stated that the additional comments were important to read.

 2
Councilmember Jones added that the locations of reported needles were important.

Councilmember King added that there had been comments about how 2/3 of the
employees did not respond. In any survey, a 30% response rate is astronomical, adding
that the WV Drug Institute’s response rate was much lower.

Councilmember Jones read 2 responses:
   Don't hand them out, period. Let's just use common sense on this, more needles
 will do more harm than good. People that have no idea what PD deals with can't
 understand how big a problem this is. Come join me on one of my frequent
 abandoned house searches where there are needles left laying [sic] around like
 cigarette butts, not one or two but literally dozens of open dirty needles. The
 individuals in support of this need to stop and think for a moment…
   Supporting the needle exchange is a punch in the gut to law enforcement and
 emergency responders. It’s a heartless and thoughtless thing to do regarding the
 individuals that have been stuck by a dirty needle as well as a slap in the face of
 their family. Let’s put our time and effort and money into healing individuals from
 their addictions instead of condoning it.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that there were also responses using terms like
“junkies.” At the last meeting, they heard from representatives of some groups using this
kind of terminology. There needs to be a mindset change to understand that they are
dealing with people on both sides, and they need to not be biased. Councilmember
Wesley-Plear added that she would have wanted to know the circumstance around the
responders finding the needles and/or being stuck by a needle.



 3. Bill No. 7893 - A BILL to amend and reenact the Municipal Code of the City of
 Charleston relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic needles within the
 City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a certification
 as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to any
 required state license; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide
 exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations.

Councilmember Steele asked City Attorney, Kevin Baker, to give an overview of the bill.
Baker stated that the bill eliminates sections related to the Chief of Police being able to
sponsor, approve and participate in needle exchange programs, and authorizing the
Chief of Police to create rules related to needle exchange programs. The bill increases
the penalty for violation of the ordinance. Section 78-381 would make it unlawful for any
person to distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles or other similar objects used or
designed for injecting substances into the human body without obtaining and having
certification as a harm reduction program from the West Virginia Bureau of Public
Health and any licenses required under State law to do so. Section 78-382 specifies
that every person under the organization shall comply with all applicable state
regulations.

 3
Baker noted that there was currently a bill in Legislature that addresses similar topics,
which will be resolved in approximately 10 days. If that bill were to pass, it would go to
the Governor for signature or veto. Baker added that his genal legal advice would be to
wait to see what the State does. Councilmembers Snodgrass and King stated that this
was a City matter. Baker replied that the current City law was drafted incorrectly as it
relates to State law. Councilmember McKinney requested that Baker be allowed to
finish speaking. Baker continued that if the bill in front of Legislature passes, it would
require programs to be licensed with the West Virginia Office for Health Facility
Licensure and Certification not with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health as Bill No.
7893 currently states.

Councilmember Snodgrass confirmed with Baker that if the State passed their bill (and
the bill is more restrictive), then it would supersede the City’s less restrictive bill. Baker
clarified that if the State bill requires a license by the West Virginia Office for Health
Facility Licensure and Certification and the City requires certification from the DHHR,
then it would not match under the law. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that they
should address things that are happening today, not many months from now. Baker
added that the State has to act by April 10th.

Councilmember King submitted an amendment to Bill No. 7893 (additionally supported
by Councilmembers Snodgrass and Jones), adding that a number a survey responses
mentioned that they would like a 1:1 program model, to track the needles that are
distributed, and for participants to see a medical provider at every visit.

 On Page 2, Section 78-382, at Line 35, after the word “regulations.”, by inserting
the following: “In addition, every Harm Reduction Program operating within the City of
Charleston shall (1) receive one returned syringe for every syringe it distributes; (2)
maintain a confidential list of the number of syringes dispensed and returned by the
program participant for every visit; (3) individually mark each syringe it dispenses with
identifying information that clearly and unambiguously allows for the identification of
each syringe dispensed by the program that dispensed it; and (4) document at every
visit that each participant was offered medical services, including mental, behavioral
health, and drug treatment services, by a licensed or certified health care provider.”

Councilmember Wesley-Plear wanted to know if the needle identification would be
connected to the participant or the program. Councilmember King answered that it
would be identified by the program.

Councilmember Snodgrass motioned to approve the amendment. A roll was taken:

Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, King, McKinney, Snodgrass, Wesley-Plear
Nays: Steele

With the Yeas being in the majority, the amendment was approved.




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Councilmember Wesley-Plear submitted an amendment to Bill No. 7893 as amended,
adding that the intent is that hospitals are not included under the rules are they are
equipped to handle it.

 On Page 1, Section 78-381, at Line 30, after the period, by inserting the
following: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, a hospital licensed by the West Virginia
Department of Heath and Humans Resources’ Office of Health Facility Licensure and
Certification is exempt from the requirements of this article.”

Councilmember Snodgrass asked if Councilmember Wesley-Plear wrote the
amendment. Councilmember Wesley-Plear replied that she did not, but she worked with
the City Attorney to write it after having conversations with Matt Sutton and Baker. While
she did not initiate it, she fully supports the proposed amendment. Councilmember
Snodgrass stated that the previous amendment was proposed due to the feedback from
the public and survey that there needed to be accountability (coding the needles, seeing
a medical provider, etc.). She added that the proposed amendment would allow
hospitals to choose whether or not to do those things. Councilmember McKinney stated
that they should be discussing the merits of the amendment, not where it came from.

Councilmember Jones stated that he did not understand why a hospital would have to
have a different set of rules. Councilmember McKinney asked why a hospital would not
act responsibly. Councilmember Wesley-Plear added that a hospital would also have
more resources, such as mental health and a variety of substance abuse programs to
offer. She added that she would feel comfortable having a hospital in charge of those
programs and would not question their medical expertise.

Councilmember King asked what would prevent a hospital from contracting with a third
party for a harm reduction program. Councilmember Wesley-Plear replied that they
shouldn’t be prevented from partnering with a third party, adding that if they are
partnering, then they would be held liable. Councilmember King replied that did not
have anything to do with the language of the bill as amended. Councilmember
Snodgrass added that in 2015, Council allowed medical professionals to run a harm
reduction program and it was a disaster to the community. Councilmember McKinney
stated that there was no way a hospital would hand out needles without additionally
offering other avenues of help. Councilmember Snodgrass stated that a hospital should
comply with the rules as stated in the bill. Councilmember Jones asked if the Cabin
Creek Clinic was considered a hospital. Baker added that the Office of Health Facility
Licensure website lists: CAMC, Thomas, Highland and the Surgical Center as listed as
hospitals in Kanawha County.

Councilmember Overstreet stated that his major concern is for the 1:1 exchange. He
would prefer that all entities be required to follow the guidelines rather than trust that
they will. Councilmember McKinney added that the point is that there is accountability.
Councilmember King stated that the requirements should be for everyone.
Councilmember Stelle added that Bill No. 7893 as amended would preclude hospitals
from participating in a harm reduction program and ssp, but it wouldn’t allow them any

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more leeway than what the amendment states.

Councilmember Wesley-Plear motion to approve the amendment to Bill No. 7893 as
amended. Councilmember Steele seconded. A roll call was taken:

Yeas: McKinney, Steele, Wesley-Plear
Nays: Overstreet, Jones, King, Snodgrass

With the Nays being in the majority, the amendment was not approved.

Baker suggested that the amendment be worked into the bill as a Committee Substitute.

Councilmember King motioned to approve Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute.
Councilmember Snodgrass seconded. A roll call was taken:

Yeas: Overstreet, Jones, King, McKinney, Snodgrass
Nays: Steele, Wesley-Plear

With the Yeas being in the majority, Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute was approved.




Councilmember McKinney motioned to adjourn. Councilmember Wesley-Plear
seconded. Meeting adjourned.



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Bill No. 7893 Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend and reenact Sections 78-381, 78-
382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of Charleston and to repeal Sections
78-396 and 78-397 of said Code, all relating to requiring any distribution of hypodermic
needles within the City of Charleston to be performed by persons or entities that have a
certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the State of West Virginia in addition to
any required state license; creating certain requirements for Harm Reduction Programs
operating within the City; eliminating the ability for the Chief of Police to provide
exceptions, and establishing penalties for violations.

Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston:

That Sections 78-381, 78-382, and 78-383 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Charleston is amended and reenacted, and that Sections 78-396 and 78-397 of said
Code are repealed, all to read as follows:

Subdivision II. - Sale, Marketing, and Distribution of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes

Sec. 78-381. - Sale, marketing and distribution Distribution of hypodermic needles; state
license certification required.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons as principal, clerk, agent, or servant or
otherwise acting individually or on behalf of any entity, organization or group to sell,
market, or distribute any hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or
designed for injecting substances into the human body, without obtaining and having
certification as a Harm Reduction Program from the West Virginia Bureau for Public
Health within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and any
and all licenses required under state law to do so: except that, items distributed by or
exchanged at a needle exchange program sponsored or approved by the Chief of
Police of the Charleston Police Department, as provided by Subdivision III herein, are
thereby approved and are not unlawful.

Sec. 78-382. - Compliance with state law and regulations.

Every person, entity, organization, or group certified or licensed to sell, market, or
distribute hypodermic needles shall comply with all applicable state law and regulations.
In addition, every Harm Reduction Program operating within the City of Charleston shall
(1) receive one returned syringe for every syringe it distributes; (2) maintain a
confidential list of the number of syringes dispensed and returned by the program
participant for every visit; (3) individually mark each syringe it dispenses with identifying
information that clearly and unambiguously allows for the identification of each syringe
dispensed by the program that dispensed it; and (4) document at every visit that each
participant was offered medical services, including mental, behavioral health, and drug
treatment services, by a licensed or certified health care provider.

Subdivision III. - Needle Exchange Program



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Sec. 78-383. - Penalty.
Any person violating any provision of this subdivision shall, if convicted, be guilty of a
misdemeanor and be fined not less than five hundred ten dollars nor more than one
thousand five hundred dollars for the first offense and succeeding offenses. Each day
that such violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.

Sec. 78-396. - Needle exchange program authorized.

The City of Charleston, by and through its Chief of Police, may sponsor, approve, or
participate in a program or programs within the City of Charleston for the distribution or
exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used or designed
for injecting substances into the human body.

Sec. 78-397. – Rules and regulations; Chief of Police authorized.

The Chief of Police of the City of Charleston Police Department is authorized to
promulgate reasonable rules or regulations deemed necessary to implement and
administer a program within the City of Charleston provided for in Section 78-396 for the
distribution or exchange of hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects used
or designed for injecting substances into the human body.




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