To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Report on the County of Humboldt Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Branch Syringe Services Program
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive and file a report on the Syringe Services Program by the County of Humboldt Health Officer.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1002- Remove barriers to quality healthcare
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Public Health Branch (PHB) Syringe Services Program (SSP) or Needle Exchange Program are recommended as a public health best practice by the Centers for Disease Control, the California Department of Public Health, and the World Health Organization. These programs are a key component of a comprehensive harm reduction strategy, which aims to reduce the negative health and social impacts associated with drug use. SSP offer access to services such as sterile needles, injection and non-injection supplies, safer sex supplies, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, health education, overdose prevention education and Naloxone (Narcan), all of which are free of charge to participants. Operating in California since the late 1980s, there are now nearly 100 SSPs across the state, playing a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing overdose deaths.
In 2000, the County of Humboldt Board of Supervisors approved syringe exchange services by partner agencies, and in 2012, the Board approved the DHHS - PHB SSP through its mobile outreach program. This program is operated by DHHS - PHB North Coast AIDS Project Program. This program is an essential component of County of Humboldt Board Strategic Plan to support "Safe and Healthy Communities" by ...
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