Senate Approves Pilot Needle Exchange Program For Miami-Dade
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - The Florida Senate overwhelmingly approved a proposal that would create a needle-exchange pilot program in Miami-Dade County.
The legislation comes as Florida leads the nation in newly diagnosed HIV cases, while Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the top two counties in the country for new HIV cases.
The measure, approved by a 37-2 vote, 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.
Sen. Oscar Braynon from Miami Gardens has tried for two years to get the pilot program off the ground.
A companion measure, sponsored by Rep. Katie Edwards from Plantation, is ready for a House floor vote.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
