}

Dear Licking County Board of Health,

A year ago, you banned syringe access programs in Licking County. As people of faith, we know that God loves people who use drugs. We also know that syringe access programs make our whole community safer and healthier. Our faith compels us to love one another, just as God loves us. In a spirit of love, we ask that you lift the ban on syringe access programs in Licking County. 

Providing access to safe, sterile injection equipment is one way to show our love for people who use drugs, for their families, for our state, and for God. Syringe access programs ensure that people who use drugs remain as safe, healthy and connected as possible, no matter where they are on their journey of recovery. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that syringe access programs are associated with an estimated 50 percent reduction in HIV and Hepatitis C incidence, and that new users of syringe access programs are three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t use the programs.

Licking County is the only county in Ohio that has banned syringe access programs. 

The unnecessary infections and loss of life that this ban creates do not remain within the boundaries of Licking County. Your ban, your lack of love, impacts the entire state. 

Syringe access is a loving, practical, healthy policy. As people of faith, we call on you to lift the ban on syringe access programs in Licking County and honor the love God holds for each of us.