Data Dig: Syringe exchanges play key role in limiting opiate deaths

Safe Recovery Executive Director Grace Keller in the room where used needles are processed for disposal. Photo by Bob LoCicero/VTDiggerBURLINGTON — Necessity is the mother of invention, and syringe exchange programs sprang up decades ago to address necessities born from the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Now that epidemic is fading, and leaders of some syringe exchange programs fear they may be orphaned just when they’re needed to fight today’s public health crisis of opiate addiction.
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