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OC Syringe Exchange
Topline:
A syringe delivery and pick up program has the green light from state health officials to operate in Santa Ana. City officials strongly object.
Why it matters: The nonprofit Harm Reduction Institute can deliver clean syringes and pickup used syringes at homes, tents, RVs and other nontraditional forms of housing for two years – but not to unhoused people near playgrounds or schools.
Letter to the state: Santa Ana City leaders oppose the plan, citing concerns about syringe litter and safety. In response, the Harm Reduction Institute will conduct syringe clean-ups and education. Still, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua says she’s “disappointed that the state health department would override our local government authority to protect our community.”
Sponsored message
Do syringe exchanges work? Yes. According to the CDC,
participants in syringe exchange programs are 3.5 times more likely to stop injecting drugs
, and 5 times more likely to enter treatment. They also help people prevent transmitting bloodborne and other infections when they inject drugs.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
