- The New York City Health Department has set up a needle exchange van directly across the street from a children's library in the Bronx.
- This decision has sparked outrage among residents, parents, and local politicians due to concerns about public safety and the inappropriate placement of the program.
- Neighbors report seeing needles discarded and drug users engaging in disturbing behaviors near the library, causing fear and concern.
- Bronx Councilman Oswald Feliz has written to the city Health Department expressing serious concerns about the situation, highlighting the risks to public safety and the well-being of library visitors, particularly children.
Government-approved needle sharing van exchanges needles in front of public library
In a shocking move that has left residents, parents, and even some local politicians seething with anger, the New York City Health Department has placed a city-sponsored needle exchange van directly across the street from a children’s library in the Bronx. The decision to situate such a controversial program adjacent to a place filled with young minds and curious children has sparked outrage and concerns about public safety.
Local resident John Martinez, who shared his experience with The Post, expressed his dismay at the sight of drug users openly shooting up and engaging in disturbing behaviors just steps away from the library. "The whole street is infested," Martinez said. "I’ve seen kids around, and people just leaving needles everywhere. It’s a major disturbance."
Neighborhood resident Patricia Flores, who was walking her 8-year-old daughter to a nearby library, echoed similar sentiments. "I’m seeing a lot of needles. They do it and just leave them there," she said. "You got to watch where you’re stepping. It’s crazy." Her frustration was palpable, and she echoed a sentiment shared by many: “We would love to see them out of here and placed somewhere else, especially not in front of a library.”
Bronx Councilman Oswald Feliz has taken a firm stance against this decision, writing to the city Health Department in a December 3rd letter: "The syringe distribution program in front of the children’s library has created unsafe conditions, including illicit drug use and the discarding of used syringes in the library’s restrooms." He went on to describe "individuals under the influence displaying erratic behavior inside the library, leaving visitors shaken."
NYC Syringe Service Program distributes “clean needles” to drug users in the city
Feliz, like other concerned citizens, concedes that the intention behind providing clean needles is sound—preventing the spread of disease and promoting public health. However, the placement and execution of such a program pose serious questions about safety and whether residents’ needs are truly being considered. He pointedly asked: "The distribution of needles in front of a children's library is outrageous, irresponsible, and difficult to comprehend, especially when coming from health professionals."
The van in question, operated under the name "BOOM! Health," is part of the city's "Syringe Service Programs" initiative. The program provides drug users with resources like clean needles, testing for diseases, and access to treatment options. However, the program's proximity to a children's library brings into question whether the city is prioritizing public safety and community well-being over the needs of drug users.
"It’s a matter of basic public safety," said Mel Angel, another local resident. "Children and the elderly who use the library need a safe, welcoming environment. This van is a constant reminder of the drug crisis."
The incident highlights a fundamental disconnect between well-intentioned, naive public health initiatives and the harsh realities of urban life. The lack of consideration for community safety and the visible, open display of drug use raises serious questions about how these programs cause further harm to communities normalizing drug use for future generations.
Sources include:
NYC.gov [PDF]
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