Missouri lawmakers consider needle exchange programs for disease control and addiction recovery.

Missouri lawmakers are considering needle exchange programs to combat disease spread and assist addiction recovery. These programs supply clean needles to reduce HIV transmission. While critics fear they may normalize drug use, studies show no increase in first-time users. Instead, they can help connect users to treatment and healthcare. Any proposal to expand these programs requires detailed data and cost assessments, which the task force will provide for future legislative decisions.

September 28, 2024
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