Litter from needle program frustrates neighbor

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The controversy continues over a needle exchange program in Holyoke.

Scott Ryer, the building manager at the Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street, told 22News that he has gotten used to cleaning up needles and debris behind the building, but recently he was surprised to find bleach kits with flyers for the needle exchange program on the property.

"I can put up a fence, clean up the garbage, and turn my eyes away from it, but someone is giving these kids free stuff to hurt themselves with, that doesn't settle right with me,” Ryer said.

22News contacted Tapestry Health, which runs the needle exchange program in Holyoke. CEO Leslie Laurie said that the kits are given out as a means of disease prevention. They include bleach, a condom, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, sterile water, and a round tin cooker.

She said that unfortunately, these kits were littered onto the property but weren't intentionally left there by the program. The kits are also offered by the Holyoke Health Center.