The proposal of a needle exchange program in the area has sparked a lot of controversy and brought forth many opinions on the subject. On Wednesday evening, during the regularly scheduled Carbon County Commission meeting, the commissioners made their decision on where they stand.
The commissioners announced the decision to oppose the introduction and operation of the program within the county, especially one that intends to operate individually. This resolution echoes many of the points that Carbon County Sheriff Jeff Wood has made in the past regarding the program.
Some of those points are that the group will provide not just needles, but an entire “kit.” It is believed that providing all of these pieces to an individual will only encourage the continued use of drugs, not healing. The opposition also emphasizes that, with this program, more needles are going to be in the community and more than likely not disposed of properly, putting the community in potential danger.
The commissioners are also not in favor of the fact that the harm reduction coalition will be operation individually as opposed to working with officials in the community.
“It really fosters a clandestine us versus them attitude,” Carbon County Attorney Christian Bryner stated.
This resolution serves as notice that if the program is brought to the area and those responsible are apprehended by local law enforcement officers, jail time is likely. The commissioners made the decision to send a notice of their decision to the health department, Four Corners and the harm reduction coalition.