Bangor Council Approves Needlepoint Sanctuary’s Syringe Services

Needlepoint Sanctuary has received approval to open its syringe service location in Bangor after the Bangor City Council voted 6-2 on October 23, 2023, to rezone the property. This decision allows the organization to operate at 1009 Ohio Street, a site previously restricted due to zoning regulations. The sanctuary was briefly operational for five days in July before having to close when it was determined that the building was not properly zoned for syringe services.

Community Support and Health Crisis

During the council meeting, a significant turnout demonstrated strong community backing for Needlepoint Sanctuary. Nearly 30 individuals, including public health workers and residents experiencing homelessness, voiced their support for the zoning change. The meeting room was so crowded that some attendees had to stand. This approval comes at a critical time as new HIV cases are being reported in Penobscot County, highlighting the urgency for accessible health services.

According to Needlepoint Sanctuary, the new location will not only provide syringe services but also serve as a space for recovery meetings and a safe haven for homeless community members. Executive Director Willie Hurley emphasized the organization’s readiness to commence operations, stating, “We are ready to get to work.” He noted that the organization has successfully assisted 30 individuals in detox this year.

Addressing Community Concerns

Needlepoint Sanctuary has been providing some services from the Unitarian Universalist Church on Park Street, but it was unable to offer syringe services there. The organization’s mission is to reduce the risk of overdose and infectious diseases by providing clean needles, testing, and connections to medical treatment. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syringe service programs are effective in reducing the transmission rates of HIV and hepatitis C by approximately 50%.

Despite the overwhelming support, some community members raised concerns about the presence of syringe exchange programs. At the meeting, a few individuals expressed unease regarding the new location and its proximity to residential areas. Hurley previously indicated that finding a suitable standalone building that minimizes potential conflicts with neighbors had been challenging.

When Needlepoint Sanctuary first gained certification as a syringe service provider in March 2024, city officials voiced apprehensions about the group’s plans to offer mobile syringe services in public spaces such as Pickering Square and Peirce Park. The newly approved site on Ohio Street is located further from downtown, nestled between a gas station and a creek, which aims to alleviate some of the concerns raised earlier.

The councilors who voted in favor of the zoning change included Michael Beck, Susan Deane, Susan Hawes, Joe Leonard, Dan Tremble, and Rick Fournier. Councilors Carolyn Fish and Wayne Mallar opposed the decision. 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.”

As the city prepares for the winter months, ensuring adequate warming center space for homeless residents is another pressing concern. Needlepoint Sanctuary’s new location is positioned to address both the ongoing health crisis and the needs of the community.