Relocation of syringe-exchange program moves forward

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Parents and community members expressed concerns over the past month about the Gateway to Hope program being relocated to 2300 Ferry St. and hoped county leaders would reconsider its relocation.

They aren't reconsidering.

“We have signed a contract with them (the Recovery Café), basically to occupy 200 to 300 feet there,” Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tracy Brown said. “We’re still on track to do that.”

Brown noted during Monday's meeting that the decision of the relocation will ultimately fall on the shoulders of the Tippecanoe County Health Department, and that the commissioners' involvement dealt with the leasing agreement, which was approved at the Feb. 21 meeting.  

Dr. Dan Sakel, a dentist whose office is on Ferry Street, questioned moving the Gateway to Hope program next to the Recovery Café.

Sakel asked, “My question is: Is the wisdom of placing the syringe-service program next to a recovery program, where you have individuals wanting to get free, trying to stay free, and now we’re bringing in individuals who are addicts or they’re substance dependents coming to the area wanting needles?”

Sakel also highlighted his concern about the program being near three different schools and the potential risk that might bring to the area.

“I recognize and of the mindset that it would be very difficult for us to find a place anywhere in the county, unless it was out in the middle of a bean field somewhere, where everyone would be OK with the location,” Brown said.

“But we’re open to listening, and I know there are meetings going on with law enforcement and things of that nature to be sure we’ve taken everything into consideration," Brown said. “But our intent is to press on in some way.”

Sakel shared one of his concerns about the relocation.

“Are we migrating a problem from Lafayette Transitional Housing out to that area? Would it be better to put it (the syringe exchange program) at the health department?” Sakel asked.

The Journal & Courier reached out to Dr. Gregory Loomis, the Tippecanoe County health officer, for an update on the plans to relocate the syringe-exchange program.

As for moving the syringe-exchange program to the health department offices, Loomis highlighted how that location would probably cause a similar community reaction because the health department offices are across the street from Lafayette Jefferson High School and Tecumseh Junior High School. 

The health department still plans to relocate the program to 2300 Ferry St. even after hearing the concerns of the community, Loomis said. 

The health department held a Zoom meeting with community members last Friday to answer questions about the program and to discuss the community’s concerns, Loomis said.

Local media were not invited to the meeting at the request of community members, according to Loomis.

Loomis highlighted that the meeting was comprised of three people from the community and members of the health department. 

Although, Loomis did note that due to government safety protocols, the health department needed the emails of each individual planning on attending the meeting and asked the organizers of the petition to provide the health department with those emails.

The department was provided with only a few emails.

After hearing the community's concerns and observing the response to the zoom meeting, the health department will move forward with the relocation, Loomis said.

“I understand their concerns, I really truly do," Loomis said. "I have compassion for them, but the proof is in the pudding. How can you go against five years without one single problem, not one.”

The Gateway to Hope will be open after school hours in hopes of addressing parents’ concerns about reducing the possibility of program clients crossing paths with students. 

Gateway to Hope will most likely operate from 4:30 to 6 p.m. two or three days a week. Additionally, it will be open during morning hours every other Saturday. 

The health department currently does not have a date when it plans to relocate to Ferry Street.

The Recovery Café is currently remodeling the building and has not provided the department with an exact date when the building will be ready. 

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.