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MichiGanders deserve access to the education, tools, and resources they need to be healthy .
MichiGanders deserve access to the education, tools, and resources they need to be healthy .
Background
House Bill 5178 and House Bill 5179 will authorize the establishment and operation of syringe service programs statewide in Michigan and remove criminal penalties for distribution, possession, and use of health tools that assist in reducing health risks associated with the use of substances.
Currently, Syringe Service Program (SSP) operations are being restricted throughout the state by municipal policy. Though syringes and other equipment provided by these programs are not classified as drug paraphernalia on the state level, many of the 1,700+ municipalities in Michigan enforce local paraphernalia ordinances that criminalize their possession, as well as the trace amounts of drugs often found within them. These same ordinances often classify life-saving drug checking equipment, like fentanyl test strips, as illegal paraphernalia.
Impact
Contrary to old-fashioned myths, SSPs and the paraphernalia SSPs and other harm reduction providers utilize do not encourage drug use. In fact, the research shows that people who use drugs and connect with an SSP are more likely to engage in treatment. Furthermore, SSPs and the harm reductions materials they distribute reduces incidence of HIV/AIDS and Hep C which cost our health system millions of dollars. Similarly, fentanyl test strips and quantitative drug checking measures like FTIR machines are a harm reduction tools that also save lives by warning people who use drugs against the leading culprit in the overdose deaths that rise every year.
Syringe Service Programs Across the State of Michigan request your support for the Syringe Service Programs Act. This legislation removes barriers to accessing risk reduction tools, education and resources for people to be healthy in Michigan. Please fill out the form below to sign the support letter for the Syringe Service Programs Act. Organizations and individuals are welcome to sign on.
Thank you for your support,
MIDUHA
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