To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Report on the DHHS - Public Health Syringe Services Program (SSP)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive and file a report on the SSP by the Humboldt County Health Officer and Public Health Director.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Fund
DISCUSSION:
Syringe services programs (SSPs) are recommended as public health best practice supported by the CDC, California Department of Public Health, and World Health Organization. Syringe services programs have been operating in California since the late 1980s, with now more than 56 operating in the state. Syringe services programs, which have also been referred to as needle exchange programs and syringe exchange programs, provide access to sterile needles and other injection supplies free of cost and facilitate safe disposal of used needles, and act as a point of access to health education and help for people who inject drugs. These programs prevent the spread of HIV, viral hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases such as bacterial infections like streptococcus (strep) and MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus) among people who inject drugs, their partners and their children.
In 2000, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved syringe exchange services by partner agencies. In 2012, the Board approved DHHS-Public Health's Syringe Services Program through mobile outreach. The DHHS-Public Health SSP is an essential component of Humboldt County's strategy for reducing the harms of drug use on individuals, families, and communities. Benefits include the prevention of disease, injury, and death associated with drug use, as well as strengthened collaborations for addressing other drug related harm including referral to treatment. SSPs also provide first aid and basic supplies, such as clean socks and bottled water to meet the needs of homeless clients.
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