But local leaders are leery of the proposal, reports the Flint Journal.

“I know we’re trying to save lives, but aren’t we also contributing?” asked Councilwoman Jackie Poplar. “Are we making it easier for these people to continue shooting dope?”

Ironically, in cities where needle exchanges have been implemented, including Michigan cities such as Grand Rapids, Detroit and Ann Arbor, the number of IV drug users appears to have declined, along with the number of new HIV infections as a result of IV drug use.

The state of Michigan reports that 10 percent of the HIV cases in Flint are the result of dirty needles.

In order for Wellness to institute the needle exchange the city would have to change a drug paraphernalia law to allow Wellness to create a clean needle exchange program. That program would enroll IV drug users, providing them with a card, which in turn would allow them access to clean needles. Such programs also integrate drug treatment options as part of the exchange program.