A controversial needle exchange program in Atlantic City will continue operating thanks to a recent settlement with city officials. The South Jersey AIDS Alliance runs Oasis, a harm reduction center not far from the resort’s boardwalk and casinos.
The city council had tried to shut down the center, which works to mitigate risks faced by people struggling with substance abuse, and in response the Alliance sued the city in 2021.
Georgett Shelton, the president and CEO of South Jersey AIDS Alliance, said the settlement sets a precedent that will allow for more harm reduction centers to open in New Jersey. She said that is critical to protecting public health.
“We not only provide a harm reduction center that gives out Narcan and clean syringes,” Shelton said. “We also have case management for folks who are HIV-positive, we have nursing services for HIV testing, hepatitis C and STI testing.”
