May 7, 2019 – The Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) would like to recognize the leadership and determination of our local Legislative Delegation, physician leaders, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for the successful passage of legislation that will ensure the future operation and expansion of needle exchange programs in our community and across the state.

 

SB 366, sponsored by Senator Oscar Braynon, II (D-35, Miami Gardens) and Representative Shevrin Jones (D-101, West Park), will enable the University of Miami to continue to operate the highly successful Needle Exchange Program in Miami-Dade County and will enable other communities the opportunity to leverage the same proven model to address the opioid crisis and the spread of blood-borne diseases.  

 

“Legislative leaders from this community have been so dedicated to this issue for many years.   Senator Braynon and Representative Jones are to be congratulated for their persistence and the major impact this will have on the long-term health of our community.” stated Barbara Montford, M.D., President of the Dade County Medical Association. 

 

DCMA President-Elect, Antonio Mesa, D.O., added, “What Dr. Hansel Tookes and the other physician leaders have built is a point of pride for our medical community and this County as a whole.  The program goes far beyond needle exchange and provides testing, treatment, and services to so many vulnerable patients.  The DCMA was pleased to support the original pilot program and we support expansion of the program statewide.  It is great to see their dedication and vision honored in this manner.” 

 

About the Dade County Medical Association (DCMA)

Founded in 1903, the DCMA is the organization of choice for physicians who advocate for patients and for the quality and sustainability of the practice of medicine. Its mission is to support its members in all aspects of the practice of medicine; to serve physicians and their patients by establishing and promoting ethical, educational, and clinical standards for the medical profession, and to advocate the highest principle of all, the integrity of the patient/physician relationship.