In This Podcast: Robyn Litke Sall, addiction prevention coordinator, Fargo-Cass Public Health.
Fargo’s first needle exchange program could be up and operating within a month. It’s being administered through Fargo/Cass Public Health.
Robyn Litke Sall, the department’s substance abuse prevention coordinator, says it will be a “safe and trusting place,” with a goal of providing addicts with resources for treatment, health care, and needle exchange to reduce chances of transmission of blood borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis-C.
Litke Sall says in the last five years, there’s been an “alarming increase” in diseases like Hepatis-C in Cass County, largely attributed to the use of infected needles by drug addicts.
The “Good Neighbor Project Syringe Services Program” is located in a vacant city-owned building at 510 5th Street North. Fargo/Cass Public Health is waiting for final approval from the State Health Department. Fargo City Commissioners approved the program last month.
Moorhead has had a needle exchange program since 2015. Bismarck also launched a needle program in January.
(Jack Sunday & Amy Iler are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Jack & Amy” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyKFGO. Follow Jack on Twitter @nodakjack.)
