Bangor City Council Approves Needlepoint Sanctuary’s Syringe Services

In a significant decision, the Bangor City Council voted 6-2 on Monday to approve a zoning change that allows Needlepoint Sanctuary to resume its syringe service operations at a new brick-and-mortar location. The facility, situated at 1009 Ohio St., had attempted to open in July but was forced to close after discovering it was not properly zoned for syringe services.

The council meeting drew a large crowd, with many community members present to express their support. Nearly 30 individuals, including public health workers, homeless residents, and staff from Needlepoint Sanctuary, voiced their opinions during the public comment period. This strong backing reflects the community’s recognition of the pressing health issues facing the region.

Addressing Public Health Challenges

The approval of the zoning change comes at a critical time for Penobscot County, where new cases are emerging in an ongoing HIV outbreak. Additionally, the city is working to provide adequate warming center space for homeless residents during the winter months. Needlepoint Sanctuary asserts that its new location will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing essential services.

Previously classified as a neighborhood service district, the property has now been designated as a government and institutional service district. In the new facility, Needlepoint Sanctuary plans to offer syringe services, recovery meetings, and a safe space for homeless individuals, along with connections to healthcare for those impacted by the HIV outbreak and substance use disorder.

Willie Hurley, executive director of Needlepoint Sanctuary, expressed enthusiasm about the organization’s future during the council meeting, stating, “We are ready to get to work.” Hurley highlighted that the organization has successfully facilitated detox for 30 individuals this year. However, he did not confirm the exact date for the reopening of the new office.

Until now, Needlepoint Sanctuary has been providing some services at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Park Street, but the church’s location did not permit syringe services. These programs are vital as they offer clean needles, testing, and connections to medical treatment, significantly reducing the risk of overdose and infectious diseases. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syringe service programs can decrease HIV and hepatitis C transmission rates by approximately 50%.

Community Concerns and Future Steps

Despite the overwhelming support, some community members have raised concerns about syringe exchange programs. A few individuals who spoke at the council meeting expressed discomfort with the initiative. This feedback underscores the ongoing debate surrounding harm reduction strategies in public health.

Finding a suitable standalone building posed challenges for Needlepoint Sanctuary, as Hurley noted that the organization aimed to minimize any potential friction with neighboring properties. When the organization was certified as a syringe service provider in March 2024, city officials had voiced concerns about plans to offer mobile syringe services in public areas like Pickering Square and Peirce Park.

The new site on Ohio Street, located between a gas station and a creek, is further removed from the downtown area, which may help alleviate some community concerns. The councilors who voted in favor of the zoning change, including Michael Beck, Susan Deane, Susan Hawes, Joe Leonard, Dan Tremble, and Rick Fournier, emphasized the necessity of these services. Councilor Tremble remarked, “We probably should not bury our heads in the sand and pretend that there isn’t an issue that needs to be addressed. We are in the middle of a crisis and we need the services that this organization provides.”

The council’s decision marks a pivotal moment for Needlepoint Sanctuary and the community it serves, as it prepares to address urgent public health needs and provide critical support to vulnerable populations in Bangor.