City readying to tackle against needle-exchange program, again
Photo by Diana Polekhina / Unsplash

SAPD COMMUNITY ROOM — City officials are preparing to oppose the Harm Reduction Institute’s (HRI) plans to launch a needle-exchange program in Santa Ana, following the organization’s second attempt to secure approval from the California Department of Public Health (CPDH).

Needle-exchange programs aren't new to Santa Ana, but the opposition stance appears to be growing. As the Orange County Register reported years ago, similar programs have had their permits revoked or had courts rule against them.

In 2023, HRI submitted an application that was approved by the CDPH in August. However, following significant opposition from local officials and residents, they rescinded their clearance for the program.

The City claimed victory.

Then, in December, HRI submitted another application, proposing a similar mobile needle-exchange program to their initial one. This program would involve the nonprofit delivering needles to homes, RVs, and other non-traditional living spaces.

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Needle-exchange programs could potentially reduce transmission levels of hepatitis and HIV.

Carol Newark, Executive Director of Harm Reduction Institute, stated in a response that the nonprofit would deliver clean needles two days a week and spend the other three days collecting used needles from the residences.

“Over half of HRI’s operational time will be dedicated to taking used syringes from participants and disposing of them safely and properly,” said Newark. “HRI will also do syringe litter sweeps throughout the city, and will operate a hotline where residents can report syringe litter.”

At a community meeting held on Saturday at Santa Ana police headquarters, Mayor Amezcua was joined by Councilmembers Bacerra and Penaloza to lead the discussion, along with prominent elected officials including Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-CA, 68) and Congressmember Lou Correa (D-CA, 46). Presidents and representatives from over a dozen neighborhood associations were also in attendance.

“We’re public enemy number one,” said Penaloza. He added that Newark had tweeted about the opposition, stating that their nonprofit would be "more relentless than our enemies."

Commander Roland Andrade delivered a brief presentation outlining the key issues that neighborhood association leaders found problematic.