Denver Council Broadens Program Aiming to Reduce Disease and Aid Recovery

Colorful playground slide in front of a building.

Denver City Council votes to allow unlimited needle exchange sites, including near schools and daycares, putting children at risk.

At a Glance

  • Denver City Council voted 8-5 to remove restrictions on syringe exchange programs
  • The ordinance eliminates caps on site numbers and distance limits from schools and daycares
  • Mayor Mike Johnston has five days to approve or veto the controversial measure
  • Opponents argue the move endangers children and communities

Denver’s Dangerous Decision

In a shocking display of disregard for public safety, the Denver City Council has voted to remove all restrictions on needle exchange programs, potentially allowing an unlimited number of sites to operate even near schools and daycare centers. This reckless decision, passed by a narrow 8-5 vote, now awaits Mayor Mike Johnston’s approval, leaving Denver’s children and communities hanging in the balance.

The ordinance, if approved, would eliminate the previous cap of three sites and remove the crucial 1,000-foot buffer zone between these facilities and educational institutions. This move essentially prioritizes drug users over the safety and well-being of innocent children, exposing them to the dangers associated with drug paraphernalia and the criminal element often attracted to these areas.

Ignoring Community Concerns

Despite vocal opposition from community members and some council members, proponents of the measure pushed forward with their agenda. Councilman Darrell Watson, who voted against the ordinance, echoed the sentiments of many concerned citizens when he stated:

“Needle exchange does work. Our communities have been clear … that removing the distance restriction is something that they do not support”

This blatant disregard for community feedback raises serious questions about the council’s priorities and their commitment to protecting the city’s most vulnerable residents.

A Misguided Approach to Addiction

Supporters of the ordinance argue that expanding needle exchange programs will help combat the spread of infectious diseases and provide resources for addiction treatment. However, this approach fails to address the root causes of drug addiction and instead normalizes drug use in our communities.

The alarming statistics speak for themselves: preliminary data shows 597 drug overdose deaths in Denver in 2023, with nearly 400 from fentanyl alone. Instead of focusing on prevention and enforcement, the city council seems content to enable and accommodate drug use, potentially exacerbating the problem.

A Call for Sanity

As this dangerous ordinance awaits Mayor Johnston’s decision, it’s crucial for Denver residents to make their voices heard. The safety of our children and the integrity of our communities should not be sacrificed in the name of misguided compassion.

Rather than enabling drug use and putting our youth at risk, city leaders should focus on proven methods of addiction prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation programs that actually address the root causes of substance abuse. It’s time for Denver to prioritize the well-being of law-abiding citizens over the demands of a vocal minority pushing a harmful agenda.

Sources:

  1. Denver votes to remove cap and distance requirement on needle exchange programs
  2. Denver law would allow unlimited needle exchange sites — including outside schools and daycares