Palm Beach County asks State for needle program

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Palm Beach County officials want to bring an exchange needle program to your neighborhood.

The program, which was started in Miami as a test, would allow intravenous drug users to get rid of dirty needles, in exchange for new ones, with no questions asked.

Advocates say users are less likely to leave needles around in public places. Opponents say the program will encourage drug use.

The county has seen a dramatic rise in opioid and heroin deaths in recent years. Officials fear intravenous drug use associated with the epidemic could spread disease.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee will decide if the exchange needle program will be extended to Palm Beach County, when they go to session in January.