Dade Needle Exchange Program Clears Senate Panel

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - A state Senate committee has approved a long-discussed proposal that would create a pilot needle-exchange program in Miami-Dade County.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Oscar Braynon from Miami Gardens, would allow people to exchange used needles and syringes for clean needles and syringes. Supporters say the program would help reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis by intravenous drug users.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate Health Policy Committee, calls for the program to be established by the University of Miami and continue until July 1, 2020.

The program would be funded through private grants and donations. Health Policy Chairman Aaron Bean said it would not receive state tax dollars.

A similar bill filed by Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation was approved last month by the House Health Quality Subcommittee. The bills are filed for the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January. Similar proposals have stalled in the past before getting final approval.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.