Declaring that AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod’s (ASGCC) needle access program “saves lives,” a Superior Court judge, in a first-of-its kind ruling, issued a preliminary injunction against the town of Barnstable, which had tried to shut down a needle distribution program run by the group in Hyannis. The injunction ensures that ASGCC can continue providing its life-saving services to injection drug users.

The decision is the first to affirm the meaning of a 2006 Massachusetts law that removed restrictions on the possession and distribution of needles and syringes. “An Act Relative to HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention” was passed to enable injection drug users to get sterile needles and syringes, critical to stopping the spread of disease.

Judge Raymond P Veary Jr. wrote that the law “clearly marked a change in the Legislature’s approach to intravenous drug users: a shift away from criminal enforcement and toward the promotion of health.” Further, he wrote, “the court agrees” that ASGCC’s “free distribution of needles and syringes was intended by the 2006 amendment to be permissible conduct.”

Judge Veary agreed that ASGCC’s program is life-saving. “Unquestionably, it is the free needles that draw people to ASGCC’s door. These aren’t just any people. They are extremely vulnerable people…They are our brothers and sisters. They are driven by a disease that has taken away their choices and left them with a need.”

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC) represented ASGCC in court during a two-day hearing, at which experts in public health, HIV and Hepatitis C prevention, and drug addiction testified in support of the program.

AIDS Action Committee Legal Director Andrew Musgrave, GLAD AIDS Law Project Director Bennett Klein,
AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod Executive Director Joe Carleo and Director of Prevention and Screening Max Sandusky

“We’re extremely happy and relieved. We can now continue helping to stop the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C on the Cape, and assisting the members of our community who inject drugs to get the services they need,” said Max Sandusky, ASGCC’s Director of Prevention and Screening Services.

AIDS Support Group distributes needles and syringes in the context of comprehensive care for injection drug users, including counseling, testing, and referrals to treatment, health care, and social services. The town issued a “cease and desist” order to AIDS Support Group prompted by the improper disposal of needles in town, despite the fact that AIDS Support group annually collects more needles (115,209) than it distributes (112,604).

GLAD Senior Attorney Ben Klein said, “The court saw the big picture here, which is about public health. AIDS Support Group’s program is lawful, life-saving, and enhances community safety.”

“This was the right decision. The Cape Cod community has been hit hard by the opioid crisis. Now is not the time to pull back services,” said Andrew Musgrave, AAC’s Director of Legal Services.