The background
In Michigan, syringe service program staff, participants, and generally well-intentioned people can face criminal charges for activities that protect public health, such as attempting to safely discard used needles. Many Michigan communities criminalize activities related to drug paraphernalia, even though syringes and other equipment provided by health programs are not classified as drug paraphernalia under state law. This means that public health workers can face legal consequences even when they’re saving lives.