RES 21-807 - Concerning Needle Distrubution by SKC Public HealthRESOLUTION NO. 21-807
A RESOLUTION of the City of Federal Way, Washington, concerning
needle distribution by Seattle -King County Public Health and other
organizations.
WHEREAS, the City of Federal Way does not support the distribution of drug paraphernalia
and hypodermic needles in parking lots and public spaces with no clear emphasis on exchanges for
used needles or referrals to drug treatment services; and
WHEREAS, unlike programs that exchange used needles for new ones and thus reduce the
number of needles in the environment, the giveaway of hypodermic needles presents an immediate
danger to our public, environment, and the well being of our community; and
WHEREAS, thanks to the vigilance of our local community organizers this issue was brought
to the forefront of conversation with elected and appointed leaders regionally with thoughtful
consideration and concern; and
WHEREAS, the City of Federal Way acknowledges that needle exchange programs can be an
effective method of disease prevention and provide access to services to those addicted to drugs, we
do not believe it is appropriate to indiscriminately pass out needles in our community with no
verifiable background on those receiving the needles and without notice to our community, local
government, or healthcare providers.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Federal Way calls on Seattle -King County Public Health and any
other organizations conducting needle exchange programs to suspend hypodermic needle giveaway
Resolution No.21-807 Pagel of
programs until such time that they can be conducted in a manner that is mindful of the concerns of
the people of Federal Way and in a manner calculated to reduce needle proliferation and encourage
rehabilitation
Section 2. We acknowledge the voluntary and temporary suspension of this program by
Seattle -King County Public Health. Additionally, we respectfully request that prior to any restart of
needle distribution in Federal Way, Seattle -King County Public Health and the City of Federal Way
engage in meaningful dialogue for the purposes of public education, outreach, and to clarify the
intent of this program.
Section 3. That future conversations regarding the needle giveaway program involve public
engagement. It is our collective belief that handing out needles in parking lots does not further the
goal of treatment or helping those we serve. We believe as representatives of the public, our
governments should work together constructively and collaboratively to provide relief and treatment
for those in need. We request that a report on this issue be provided to the Council no later than June
1, 2021.
Section 4. Corrections. The City Clerk and the codifiers of this resolution are authorized to
make necessary corrections to this resolution including, but not limited to, the correction of
scrivener/clerical errors, references, resolution numbering, section/subsection numbers and any
references thereto.
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage by the
Federal Way City Council.
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
WASHINGTON this 6th day of April, 2021.
Resolution No. 21-807 Page 2 of 3
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY:
ATTEST:
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P ANIE COURTNEY, .M , CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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J. RYAN CALL, CITY ATTORNEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
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Resolution No. 21- 007 Page 3 of
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