Re: the safe syringe program on Bank Street

Over the past week, we have heard concerns from Burlington residents, downtown neighbors, and community members. These are people who care deeply about the future of our city and have concerns over the location of the expanded syringe services program now operating on Bank Street.

Given what we know today, we have three questions we hope the state, city, and community will consider:

1. Is Bank Street the right location for a Syringe Services Program (SSP)/needle exchange program?

2. Is a fixed location the best option for this service and those who rely on it?

3. What can the City and the community do to ensure SSPs and needle exchange programs are safe, well-managed, and effective for the people who rely on them and the surrounding community?

We believe Burlington needs compassionate, effective harm reduction services. Syringe services programs have been proven to help prevent disease, reduce overdose deaths, connect people to care, and provide safer disposal options for used syringes.

We also believe the setting where services are delivered matters. People seeking help deserve a location that supports dignity, stability, privacy, and connection to care. The surrounding community deserves a location that is safe, clean, well-managed, and appropriate for the level of service being provided.

Additionally, we would like to share some history and facts about this situation:

Howard Center's Safe Recovery program ended at the end of June, and Vermont CARES has taken over as Burlington's primary syringe services provider. Vermont CARES has operated limited syringe services from its Bank Street office for several years, but those services are now expanding.

We also understand that the City did not receive formal advance notice from the Vermont Department of Health before the new state grant to Vermont CARES became public. That represents a breakdown in process and communication.

The City may have limited authority over the State's funding decision or the provider location. Based on what we have heard so far, we understand several steps are either underway or being discussed:

1. The Mayor's Office has had discussions with Vermont CARES and the Vermont Department of Health.

2. Vermont CARES has committed to regular syringe litter clean-up in the surrounding area.

3. Vermont CARES is expected to establish a Community Advisory Board.

4. The Mayor has asked the Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) to help engage people and organizations in the immediate area.

5. Vermont CARES will be asked to present publicly to the City Council at a summer meeting.

People struggling with substance use disorder deserve services that are humane, effective, and connected to recovery. Everyone who lives in, works in, visits, or depends on downtown deserves clean, safe, welcoming public spaces. Burlington should expect both.

We will continue to follow this closely and advocate for a response that is compassionate, practical, and accountable to the community.

Sam

Building Burlington's Future