A state-supported syringe access program is being requested for Springfield.
Mayor Domenic Sarno announced on Wednesday that the action was taken in a letter sent to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health from the city's health and human Services commissioner.
The formal request comes several months after the service was approved by the Springfield Public Health Council.
Sarno has dropped his opposition to the needle exchange but also says more addiction services are needed, including hospital treatment beds.
There has been no announced timetable for implementation.
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