Dade Needle Exchange Bill Ready For House Floor
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - A bill sponsored by state Rep. Katie Edwards from Plantation which would set up a pilot needle-exchange program in Miami-Dade County is headed to the House floor for a full vote.
The House Health & Human Services Committee approved Edwards' bill, which would allow the University of Miami to establish a privately funded program aimed at preventing the spread of diseases by intravenous drug users.
The five-year pilot program would allow drug users to exchange dirty needles and syringes for clean needles and syringes. Edwards and other supporters have tried to pass similar bills in recent years but have been unsuccessful.
"This has been a long time coming," she said.
A similar Senate bill, filed by Sen. Oscar Braynon from Miami Gardens, is ready for consideration by the full Senate.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
