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The California Department of Public Health has rescinded its authorization of a needle exchange program in Santa Ana, despite objections from city leaders.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.
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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