NYC is funding vending machines that will dispense clean syringes for those ‘disproportionately burdened’ by overdoses
New York City will address the drug overdose crisis by installing public vending machines that will dispense clean hypodermic needles for those “disproportionately burdened” by overdoses.
The project is expected to cost taxpayers $730,000.
Ten public vending machines will be installed in select locations in New York City, and they will be stocked with “harm reduction and wellness supplies” that include clean syringes and the anti-overdose drug naloxone.
In a request for proposals by the non-profit organization installing the vending machines, the group blamed systemic racism and white privilege for unequal access to “resources and opportunities afforded to White people.”
Experts say the United States is in the middle of a worsening drug overdose crisis. In a span of 12 months, ending in April 2021, fentanyl overdose became the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45, with more than 40,000 deaths compared to 22,000 car accident deaths, 21,000 suicide deaths, and 21,000 deaths from COVID-19.- READ MORE
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