Fargo continues needle exchange program after Harm Reduction Center handed out glass smoking pipes

FARGO — Fargo will keep its needle exchange program after reports that the Harm Reduction Center handed out glass smoking pipes for drug use.

In a 3-2 vote, the Fargo City Commission on Monday, Nov. 10, shot down a motion by Commissioner Michelle Turnberg to halt the Harm Reduction Center’s syringe services program while the city gets clarification if it is legal. The renewed call comes after Turnberg learned the center was handing out glass pipes to the public.

She criticized the syringe services program, also called the needle exchange program, as enabling drug users. The city should focus on treating people, she said.

“The vast majority of residents are outraged by this,” she said. “They’re sick of finding needles.”

She also questioned if program participants returned needles or if