HUGE WIN: Seattle Public Library Cancels Harm Reduction Workshops After Public Exposure
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- Drug Epidemic
- Street Report
Canceled
The Seattle Public Library says there will be no more People’s Harm Reduction Alliance workshops at local branches this year.
This news comes after staff with the controversial harm reduction provider got triggered by my video recording, and abruptly canceled the drug paraphernalia workshop.
SPL is also responding to some of my questions about FREE Narcan needle kits being given out at the counter with easy access to kids.
SPL History
SPL says it has provided information about overdose prevention and resources, such as nasal naloxone, since April 2025.
Naloxone
Seattle & King County Public Health added intramuscular naloxone in January of this year because it is apparently cheaper than the nasal spray.
Concerns About Needles
An SPL spokesperson says, “The syringes included in these kits are similar to what is used in an EpiPen, insulin, in vitro fertilization, etc. These are not the type of needles typically used for intravenous substance use.”
Critics and some medical professionals dispute this characterization. The EpiPen is quite different because it is already pre-loaded with medication and has an easy to use mechanism to inject into the body.
The Narcan needle kits being given out are just syringes; Naloxone vials must be loaded, and there is concern that the large needles can injure the patient if administered without proper training.
Easy Child Access
As for concerns about needles being easily accessible to kids, an SPL spokesperson says, “As with the books in our collection, or any other resources available at the Library, we rely on parents to accompany their children in their Library visits to monitor and regulate their behavior and activity.”
Harm Reduction Classes Held Elsewhere
PHRA staff did not receive a stipend for the class they were scheduled to teach at the library.
I’m being told Zelda will continue to teach people how to use drug paraphernalia at the University District location inside Christ Episcopal Church in Seattle.
Enabling Harm
Btw, why are heroin cookers (silver cups) next to bags of other drug paraphernalia?
