RESOLUTION 11-03

A Resolution requesting the Portsmouth City Health District Board of Health to issue an emergency order allowing the Portsmouth City Health Department to conduct a syringe exchange program effective January 26, 2011.

WHEREAS, the health impact and costs that we incur as a result of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases transmitted through the use of shared or dirty needles is enormous, and,

WHEREAS, the Obama administration announced a national strategy to reduce the annual number of HIV infections in the United States by 25 percent over the next five years including the scientifically proven approach of syringe exchange programs and,

WHEREAS, the syringe exchange program has been shown to help addicts access services they either didn't know about or were too hesitant to look for, such as HIV and hepatitis testing, safer sex education, and rehabilitation programs and,

WHEREAS, it is not believed that a syringe exchange program supports drug use or addiction; rather it is believed that the program will save lives by keeping the community safer from syringes tossed anywhere and without regard for infecting others.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Board of Health, City of Portsmouth, State of Ohio:

That an emergency order has been issued to allow the Portsmouth City Health Department to conduct a syringe exchange program effective January 26, 2011.

PASSED:  January 26, 2011

                                                             APPROVED:  David A. Malone - President ex officio

ATTEST:  Peggy Burton - Secretary (Health Commissioner)