FALMOUTH – The Falmouth Board of Health will not rescind a letter of support for a controversial needle exchange program.
At a meeting Wednesday night, supporters and opponents stated their case and in the end, the board declined to revisit their previous support.
An initial plan by the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod to locate the program across the street from St. Anthony’s Church in East Falmouth on Route 28 was cancelled amid a large public outcry.
But the group has promised to push forward in finding a new location somewhere in Falmouth.
Services at the facility would include needle exchanges, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and Narcan distribution.
Opponents said the initial location was unsuitable considering it was located near the church, home of several youth programs.
Supporters say the exchange is needed to prevent the spread of disease and prevent the improper disposal of needles.
The AIDS Support Group operates similar facilities in Hyannis and Provincetown.
They plan on holding a public forum in Falmouth on February 26th at the Falmouth Jewish Congregation at 10 a.m.
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