Borough president calls drug needles in school zones 'unacceptable,' vows action

After News 12 reported on a Bronx school voicing complaints about drug use and needles in their neighborhood, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. saw firsthand what needs to be done.

News 12 Staff

Oct 3, 2019, 11:32 PM

Updated 1,659 days ago

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Borough president calls drug needles in school zones 'unacceptable,' vows action
After News 12 reported on a Bronx school voicing complaints about drug use and needles in their neighborhood, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. saw firsthand what needs to be done.
"When you have all these needles in the sewer in front of churches, in front of schools and public parks, this is totally unacceptable," he said.
He plans to take action and lead the charge.
"I'm bringing all of the providers together," he said. "I expect all of them to be there so we can have a conversation about what resources they need, what obstacles they are running into and even methodology."
"What is the city doing?" asked Karleen Campbell, a Mott Haven resident and grandmother.
The mayor's office told News 12 in part, "The city has built on its $60 million investment in Healing NYC...this includes nearly $500,000 in increased funding to Syringe Service Programs."
Council Member Diana Ayala said the city has assigned staff that are out on the field every day.
"We are working on a more rigorous schedule so we ensure we have people picking up early in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening," she said.


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