Seattle State Probe of Needle and Drug Paraphernalia Cleanup Groups

A Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) investigation is targeting We Heart Seattle, a privately funded nonprofit that has for years cleaned up used hypodermic needles, fentanyl foil, and other drug paraphernalia left in Seattle parks, sidewalks, and homeless encampments.

What the Investigation Is About
L&I opened the case in late July after receiving a referral alleging that volunteers improperly handled and collected hypodermic needles and fentanyl-related items during cleanup operations.

So, a private non-profit is protecting then city, and the city is going to punish them instead of helping them.

I say leave that shit and let people die, then sue the city. And get rid of that socialist mayor that cares more
about the druggies than the people.

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Adrift · 61-69, F

I knew someone who lives there and wouldn't take his dog out for walks like he used too for fear of his dog eating something or stepping on needles

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cherokeepatti · 70-79, F

@Adrift Yeah growing up we had German shepherds while living in a rural area. One was so good he would greet anyone who drove up and let them walk to the house. But he sat down by the porch steps and growled when they tried to walk up them. They’d have to go get back in their car and honk their horn until we gave out and told the dog it was OK to let them in. He was never trained either.

DogMan · 61-69, M

@Adrift I have had dogs like that also, and then there are the ones that will eat anything and everything
all the time.

DogMan · 61-69, M

@cherokeepatti The only thing guard dog about my dogs it that they will sound the alarm.

DogMan · 61-69, M

We Heart Seattle’s Response
Founder Andrea Suarez says the probe is an “egregious overreach” and that the very items being cleaned up are provided free by King County Public Health as part of harm reduction programs Yahoo+1. She argues that the state is focusing on the cleanup work while ignoring the government agencies that distribute the paraphernalia. Suarez says her volunteers are trained, wear gloves and use tongs, and follow safety protocols, and that the request for “walk-around” inspections of her park-based operations is absurd

carpediem · M

This is starting to look like a Seattle tourism advertisement. "Come to beautiful Seattle and see the Needle(s).

DogMan · 61-69, M

Broader Context
We Heart Seattle has removed about 2.2 million pounds of trash since 2019, including hundreds of thousands of needles and drug cookers, in areas the city, county, and state have not fully addressed KOMO+1. The group operates without taxpayer funding and has become a vocal critic of government drug distribution policies.

Ah Ha! Now we know why the government is going after them. DO NOT EVER Criticize Democrat
policies.

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