Mike Gorski works as Pharmacist for the Tinley Park Kmart Store off of Harlem Ave (16300 Harlem Ave). Gorski apparently likes to help spread diseases by denying consumers the right to buy syringes without a prescription. Gorski and I had a rather heated debate about whether one needs a prescription to purchase needles in the state of Illinois. Gorski insisted that I needed a prescription, and continued to maintain that he would not sell me any syringes. I simply went down the street to the local Walgreens, where I purchased two 10 packs of super thin syringes – as is allowed by Illinois law ($3.19 per 10pac).
Why does this matter? It matters because there is a heroin epidemic in the suburbs, and denying access to needles does nothing but help spread disease.
For example, just the other day, Ciera – a 22 year old junkie – lost the top to the needle she had been using for the past several days. She spotted a used rig on the other side of a fence that was protruding from a trash heap – a trash heap which was sprinkled with human piss and shit. Ciera reached between the bars, pulled the orange cap off the used rig, and placed it atop of her well-worn needle.
Regardless of what the needles will be used for, Gorski has no right to withhold needles from anyone over the age of 21. I have a lot to do today, but when I get some time I’ll be writing more, and contacting the Kmart management.
I’m taking these syringes, along with new socks and alcohol swabs, and passing them out to the junkies living down on Lower Wacker.
A man walks past chanting “loose squares, loose squares;” I respond “free needles, free needles.”… You’d be surprised how many people take me up on the offer…