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Santa Ana’s Syringe Exchange Program on Hold Due to City Officials’ Objections.

The California ⁤Department ⁤of Public Health Rescinds Authorization of Needle Exchange Program in Santa Ana

The California Department of‍ Public Health has rescinded​ its authorization​ of ​a ​needle exchange program in Santa Ana, ⁣despite objections from city ​leaders. The announcement was made on August 30th by the city.

The Harm Reduction Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides opioid reversal medication and overdose ⁤training,⁤ is currently seeking approval for the ⁢needle exchange program from the department’s Public Health Office of AIDS. This office works with organizations throughout the state‌ to ⁣combat ⁣HIV and AIDS.

According to city officials, the proposed program ‌would ⁤allow the institute⁣ to collect used needles and deliver clean ones to residents’ homes, ​RVs, ⁢or homeless individuals, while ensuring that these exchanges are conducted ⁤away from playgrounds and schools.

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Despite the program’s pending status, some Santa Ana councilors ‍are celebrating what they consider a small victory in their efforts to stop the program in their city. ⁢Councilman Phil‌ Bacerra expressed his gratitude​ for ⁢the rescission of authorization in a social media⁣ post on August 30th, but ‍also emphasized the need for continued vigilance.

Homeless man sleeping in Santa Ana
A homeless man sleeps in the shade of a bus stop in ⁢Santa Ana, Calif., on May 10, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Mayor Valerie Amezcua also voiced her opposition to the⁢ program, ⁣stating that ​it poses​ a threat to the health and safety of children, families, and ⁣neighborhoods‌ in Santa Ana.

The decision to‌ rescind the authorization ‌came after strenuous ⁢opposition from city⁢ officials,⁤ including a letter from City‌ Manager Kristine Ridge and Police Chief David Valentin. Concerns were‌ raised about ‌the potential ‍health and‍ safety issues associated with ​the⁣ widespread⁢ distribution of needles throughout the city.

In their letter, the city ‌manager and ‌police chief highlighted a previous needle exchange provider’s inability to account for ‌250,000 distributed syringes ‌and their‌ lack of ⁣staff to clean⁣ up used needles. This resulted in a court ruling ⁣to​ shut down the program‌ in 2018.

Other Local Leaders Opposing Similar ​Programs

In addition ‍to Santa Ana, leaders in San Diego County have also ⁢expressed opposition to existing and proposed needle exchange​ and drug paraphernalia distribution programs. San ⁤Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and five city‍ leaders⁤ sent a letter to the⁣ state’s public health department and Governor Gavin Newsom⁤ on⁢ August 30th.

The letter emphasized that these programs, under the guise of “harm reduction,” only further⁤ harm communities struggling with substance abuse disorders. The leaders also raised concerns ‌about the improper disposal of needles, with‍ some already being⁢ found in parks, canyons, and waterways.



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