Think About the kids   Attention brings awareness ‼️ 

 In the state of Pennsylvania it is a criminal act to pass out syringes. The neighborhood of Kensington in the city of Philadelphia is the epicenter of America’s Opioid crisis. In 1992, after lobbying efforts by the members of PPP, Mayor Ed Rendell issued an Executive Order (4-92), legalizing the possession of syringes in Philadelphia. The reasoning behind the executive order was to help control the spread of HIV/AIDS &  Hepatitis. Addicts are permitted to obtain a bag of drug paraphernalia which contains;  cotton swabs, crack pipes, needles and much more. These items are supposed to be returned to the center from where they picked it up, in order for them to receive another sterile bag of drug paraphernalia. Unfortunately, the reality is, a high number of the items distributed are not collected nor discarded properly by the center if at all. The addict population whom, the majority of, are not residents, leave paraphernalia all over the neighborhood. Public parks, playgrounds, private property, store fronts, which are all plagued by used needles to the point where children can not play safely and many mothers are forced to make the decision of whether or not to even allow their children to wear open toe shoes through the neighborhood; due to fear of their child being poked by a syringe. Tragically, there have been one too many cases where children are forced to get medical treatment not only for the needle stick injury, but also, emergency medication called Trivacy and Truveda within 24 hours of the incident. This to be followed by multiple visits, lab work and in severe instances, treatment for the stress and anxiety that accompanies this type of traumatic experience. The medication itself totals over $2000 in out of pocket expenses. How can residents already living below the poverty level afford this required medical treatment? Why are residents forced to pick up used drug paraphernalia that an organization gets paid to distribute and properly dispose of. During one clean up event The Kensington Beach organization collected a total 873 used needles in McPherson Park which holds the community’s only local library. No children should be subjected to these living conditions. Please join us in signing the petition to enforce Pennsylvania State Law in Philadelphia to stop the needle exchange program. Sadly, the children of Kensington are the forgotten victims of the opioid epidemic. Help be their voice.

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