Carla Sofronski: Time is now to allow statewide syringe services programs

Drug overdose deaths and other harms related to the overdose crisis continue to ravage Pennsylvania families and communities. Pennsylvania has the fourth highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation. We have the ninth highest number of new HIV infections in the country. Our most vulnerable communities are seeing the greatest increases in both overdose deaths and HIV infections, with Black Pennsylvanians disproportionately impacted.

We must use every evidence-based tool available to save lives and reduce these harms. Key interventions that must be rapidly expanded include low barrier access to opioid agonist medications (methadone and buprenorphine) or opioid use disorder, expanded drug checking and implementation of state-wide syringe services programs (SSPs).

Of these interventions, the easiest to expand would be SSPs. Pennsylvania needs only to untie the hands of local public health and harm reduction groups so they can do what they already know how to do — save lives and prevent the spread of disease. Because syringes and other disease prevention supplies are considered drug paraphernalia under Pennsylvania law, most public health organizations are reluctant to establish these lifesaving programs. In Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, programs have operated successfully under local authority for decades. But without explicit legislative authorization, other jurisdictions have not been able to benefit from SSPs.

Last year, bipartisan legislation to allow for SSPs was introduced in the state Legislature. More than 180 organizations signed a letter urging support for these lifesaving programs. Advocates, including myself, spent countless hours providing education about the benefits of SSPs to key stakeholders including community groups and elected officials. We held a rally at the Capitol in Harrisburg and provided information to all legislative offices. Speakers at the rally included the then-Commissioners of the Departments of Health and Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Despite this wave of support, and the absence of any public opposition, the SSP legislation was not taken up by the Legislature. This year, Pennsylvania must enact this critically important legislation.

More than 30 years of evidence has proven the benefits of SSPs. Individuals who participate in SSPs are five times more likely to access drug treatment than those who do not participate. Syringe services program are associated with a 50% decrease in HIV infections. SSPs take back, and properly dispose of, used syringes thus protecting our communities and first responders.

Syringe services programs act as a bridge to other services and support. Considering that 80% of those who want help are not currently connected to support, expanding SSPs would provide a new road to recovery. Yet Pennsylvania remains one of only about 10 states that do not allow for these programs.

I know only too well the pain and grief experienced by families and communities that have lost loved ones to overdose. My sister Ilene passed away at age 36 and I lost my fiancé, Ted, who was in abstinence-based recovery for four years. Both died from a preventable overdose. Their deaths have destroyed my family. I am concerned for my daughter’s mental health as I watch the ripple effects of trauma. I never want to have to tell another child again their parents are dead. We now have a generation of children who are being raised by grandparents, friends and our child welfare system. Who are suffering severe mental health issues. Day after day I support families who are grieving, and I am fed up.

There is growing support for harm reduction in Pennsylvania. This was demonstrated last year when the Legislature unanimously passed a bill to legalize fentanyl testing strips and other drug checking mechanisms. Now we must take the next commonsense step and allow for state-wide SSPs. Last year’s SSP legislation will be reintroduced shortly, again with bipartisan support. Gov. Josh Shapiro has expressed his support for SSPs.

Syringe services programs will save lives, save money and connect thousands of our loved ones, neighbors and friends with needed help and support. Let us all work together to bring this positive change to Pennsylvania.

Carla Sofronski is executive director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network (pahrn.org).