This was a challenging story at times, but important. Needle exchanges are controversial, especially the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, because it now provides meth pipes. It is the nation’s largest needle exchange program, and while critics might argue that it encourages drug use, the organizers will say that the benefits outweigh any drawbacks. Read the story by Eric M. Johnson here.
A man prepares to inject himself with heroin using a needle obtained from the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
(L to R) Shilo Murphy, Misty Kohal, and Jeff Sablosky prepare to open the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015. The People’s Harm Reduction Alliance now offers free bubble-ended pipes as part of a pioneering but illegal program launched last month in an indirect bid to curb infectious diseases. REUTERS/David Ryder
A pipe for crack cocaine use, a needle for heroin use, and a pipe for methamphetamine use are shown at the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
A man injects himself with heroin using a needle obtained from the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
Shilo Murphy, executive director of the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, is pictured at the exchange’s University District location in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
Pipes for methamphetamine use are pictured at the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
Volunteers wait for clients at the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.
Shilo Murphy, executive director of the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, the nation’s largest needle-exchange program, wears the exchange’s logos on his shirt and jacket in Seattle, Washington April 30, 2015.