Six Degrees From Legislation

The Needle Exchange Next Door

by Theresa Poulson

Deanwood began as a rural stretch of land east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., that was settled by African-Americans who built their own homes and created a self-sufficient, vibrant community where neighbors lived, worked and went to church. But the area has changed drastically since then. Drug use and drug sales have become prevalent in the area, particularly in Watts Branch Park, which was once known as "Needle Park."

Today, community members, nonprofit groups and the city are trying to revive Deanwood's business district and spur community members to revitalize the park and a nearby community center, but drug use is still a problem. A reminder of this is the white RV at the corner of Division Avenue and Foote Street, a mobile health unit run by the nonprofit outreach center PreventionWorks that distributes clean needles in exchange for used syringes (see the map below).

The mobile unit may not be able to stay there for long. Congress is considering a ban on funding for mobile units that exchange needles near a host of places where children might congregate, including parks.