Pennsylvania: Filling Need for Needles

Since 1998, businessman Robert E. Field has personally financed Lancaster's needle exchange program, which operates on $50,000 annually. But after December, Field said he will end the funding arrangement and seek support for the NEP from the wider community. The state Pharmacy Board's September move to allow over-the-counter syringe sales prompted the decision, he said.

"Deregulation facilitates the [NEP] becoming part of a continuum of professionally managed services for addicts," Field said. A chief executive at the apartment and hotel management firm Manor Group, Field also co-chairs the advocacy organization, Common Sense for Drug Policy.

Clients receive sterile syringes and referrals to treatment and social services at the NEP, which is regularly open Tuesday through Saturday at Bethel AME Church. Field is now hoping Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) or other organizations can fund the NEP. More than 7,000 needles are distributed each month by the program.

For several months, LGH has met with Field and other harm-reduction advocates about the funding challenge, said Alice Yoder, the hospital's community health director. The hospital has taken no official position on the NEP, although physician and board committees are reviewing the matter, she said. The Urban League of Lancaster has expressed interest in participating in a multiagency effort.

Bethel's pastor, the Rev. Edward M. Bailey, said he wants to continue hosting an NEP even if Field does not single-handedly finance operations.

"Just the number of needles tells you there's a need," Bailey said. "If Robert doesn't fund this, we will still do the [NEP]. It may not be at the same level right away, but we'll figure something out because it's something that needs to be done."

Back to other news for November 2009