St. Paul starts new syringe exchange program
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A new downtown St. Paul syringe exchange may be a sign that some local governments are embracing once controversial measures in dealing with the country's opioid epidemic.
The syringe exchange in Ramsey County's main clinic opened earlier this month, Minnesota Public Radio reported. People who visit the clinic can get clean syringes, as well as a safe injection kit that contains tourniquets and cookers, which are used to dissolve drugs.
"Our policy is that we have a one to one-plus-10 rule, so if someone comes in with 10 syringes then we give them 20, if they come in with no syringes we give them 10," said Hilary Zander, who runs the free and anonymous service.