NYC makes syringe redemption program permanent after collecting 3.5 million needles

The New York City Health Department says in a year and a half they've been able to mobilize more than 2,400 people to join the Community Syringe Redemption Program, removing 3.5 million syringes from city streets and parks. And now it's earned its stamp of approval by the mayor to continue its work. Now the initiative started as a pilot program in March of last year to address concerns about syringe litter complaints seen across several community public areas, including at Echo Park in the Bronx. The program allows participants to exchange used syringes for 20 cents each for up to $10 a day. Now, during its first year, the health department says more than $2,292,000 was paid out to New Yorkers for helping make their neighborhoods cleaner. With mobile sites set up across the city, DOH says the program trains people on safe syringe collection and disposal, targeting areas with severe syringe litter and high overdose rates. Now, DOH says the benefits of the program also go beyond just collecting used needles. They've also been able to distribute over 300 overdose medicine reversing kits that have helped, they say, battle the use of opioids. Now, again, if you want to learn more about this program or the redemption sites, you can visit our website at News 12. From outside Jacobi Hospital, Jonathan Calixto, News 12.