The Harm Reduction Institute has received approval from the California Department of Public Health for its needle exchange program in Santa Ana, bringing them one step closer to providing this vital service. Despite objections from city leaders, including City Manager Kristine Ridge and Police Chief David Valentin, who expressed concerns about public health and safety based on a previous exchange program, the state health department granted the organization permission to proceed.
The Orange County Needle Exchange Program operated in Santa Ana from 2016 to 2018 before being shut down due to the city’s denial of a permit. City officials claimed the program led to discarded needles littering the area. In addition, a judge barred the same group from running a mobile needle exchange program in four Orange County cities, including Santa Ana, citing inadequate resources to prevent or clean up needle litter.
In a letter opposing the needle exchange program, the city expressed dire concerns about its impact on the community. They reported thousands of used needles being discarded in or around public buildings, libraries, streets, sidewalks, parks, and waterways in Santa Ana and elsewhere in Orange County, despite the city’s requests for proper management of the needles distributed by the program.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua criticized the state health department’s decision as unacceptable, arguing that Santa Ana is already burdened with addressing homelessness and substance abuse concerns not only within the city but also in neighboring cities. She emphasized the need for other cities to step up and provide these services.
The Harm Reduction Institute has now been authorized to offer needle delivery and disposal services at private homes, tents, RVs, and other unconventional forms of housing. However, delivery of supplies near playgrounds or schools will not be permitted.
Although the nonprofit does not have a launch date yet, they will have to find a way to work within Santa Ana’s regulations. The city currently has an ordinance that bans needle exchange programs.
In addition to providing needle exchange services, the Harm Reduction Institute already offers overdose prevention and harm reduction services to approximately 300 people through street outreach. They also provide case management, treatment navigation, and social and mental health services for participants who require medical care.
The organization will be required by the state to offer needle disposal services from Mondays to Fridays and conduct daily street cleanups to eliminate needle litter. The public health department will also provide funding for needle disposal kiosks throughout the city.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must own a cellphone to facilitate proper needle disposal. If a delivery is made and the person is no longer at the location, the outreach team can use the phone number to locate the person and ensure the safe disposal of needles.
The Harm Reduction Institute emphasizes that their services go beyond providing sterile syringes. They also focus on proper disposal and are proactive in addressing concerns about improperly discarded needles.
According to Carol Newark, the executive director of the Harm Reduction Institute, the absence of a needle exchange program could lead to HIV and Hepatitis C outbreaks. She also highlights that these services create opportunities for the outreach team to discuss other available services, such as housing and mental health support, with individuals in need. While she agrees that more cities should offer these services, Newark believes that Santa Ana should not have fewer resources.
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