Lewiston Council removes 1-for-1 language from draft syringe-service ordinance, tables final approval to Oct. 7

Lewiston City Council members on Tuesday voted to strip references to a required 1-for-1 syringe exchange from a draft ordinance regulating syringe service programs and then postponed final action until the council’s Oct. 7 meeting.

The move capped a months-long process and a night of public testimony in which health providers, recovery advocates and neighbors argued over whether limiting sterile syringe distribution would reduce litter or increase the risk of infectious disease.

Supporters of leaving the 1-for-1 language — which would generally require one sterile syringe be provided for each used syringe returned — said it would increase repeated contact between providers and people who inject drugs, which they argued helps connect clients to services. Opponents, including multiple public-health professionals, said evidence and state guidance favor needs‑based distribution and warned that strict limits would encourage syringe reuse and raise the risk of HIV, hepatitis C and injection-related infections.

Councilor Chittum proposed removing all references to a 1-for-1 exchange…