The Urban League had requested funding from Lancaster General Health to administer and enlarge the syringe exchange and public health efforts that have existed over the past decade on the lower floor of the Bethel AME church office building at 450-512 Strawberry Street.
It was thought that now that the sale of syringes has been deregulated, ‘public charity’ LGH would use some of its $113 million ‘excess’ (profits) to defray the $50,000 to $100,000 in annual expenses, depending on the extent of services to be offered.
When LGH turned down the request, it appeared that the exchange would close as of the end of 2009 for lack of funding.
However, led by Rev. Edward M. Bailey, Bethel AME decided that it would carry on the program even without financial support. At which time the publisher of NewsLanc renewed his funding, albeit at a lower level.
(Although predominantly an African-American congregation, the Bethel AME supports a program that predominantly serves Latinos and Caucasians!)
Syringe exchanges not only reduce the spread of HIV /AIDS and other social diseases, they act as a contact with addicts that enables testing, provide condoms, and, when the client seeks help, expeditiously refer them to social agencies and health care facilities that can be of assistance.
Given LGH’s annual earnings of over $100 million, for how long must an inner city church and a businessman have to perform LGH’s stated mission?
Obviously the attitude is ‘Just Say No! Problem solved.’ LGH has more pressing needs such as rail yards to move. monuments (uh, new hospitals, thank you) to build, and Senior Management resumes to inflate.
Between the publisher of NewsLanc and the Bethel AME the addicts of Lancaster County have a “touchstone” in the community. No thanks to LGH who sees no value in “the least of them”. Perhaps other area churches could be approached to contribute.
It’s the same old story, if you want something done, do it yourself….for if you wait for those who have the money to contribute, nothing would be done.