Needle exchange program kicks off in Lake Worth Beach
LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) — A new needle exchange program called FLASH is kicking off Friday in Lake Worth.
FLASH is an acronym for Florida Access to Syringe and Health Services.
It will be available in a mobile unit and organizers will provide clients with clean syringes in exchange for used ones.
The bus is stocked with more than just syringes, they have naloxone, Sharpe containers, HIV, and hepatitis C rapid tests.
The program aims to keep the community safe by reducing the spread of infection which can increase if people reuse syringes.
Anyone can stop by.
Organizers at FLASH say they are not only helping those who have an addiction to drugs but are also helping families who may not have access to clean needles for other medical conditions such as diabetes.
A FLASH mobile unit will be outside of Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach on Mondays and Fridays.
Justin Kunzelman, the Co-Founder of Rebel Recovery says they hope to reach 200 people within one year and exchange 210,000 syringes.