More syringe services means more syringe litter

We are committed to removing used syringes from the community. It is the first question we ask when we meet a participant. We know that the most effective way of removing syringes in every community is a strong syringe services program and we are proud to be providing this service. There is ample data that shows that syringe exchange programs reduce the amount of syringe litter in a given community. There are also studies demonstrating that syringe litter exists in communities without a program. Substance use, lack of housing and shelter, lack of a safe place to use drugs, fear of law enforcement, and lack of disposal receptacles such as kiosks and sharps containers all contribute to syringe litter.

HRC of SCC is a “free needle giveaway”

The Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County operates as a syringe access and disposal program according to guidelines and best practices determined by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) We remove thousands of used syringes from the community every week. We distribute thousands of sharps containers and educate people on proper storage. Data reflects that a ‘needs-based’ distribution policy is safest for the individual and the community. There are over 60 state-authorized syringe programs in California. Nearly every program uses a “needs-based model” which is evidence based best practices. CDPH will not authorize new programs that are not evidence based. Restrictive programs are considered poor public health policy and are attributed to syringe reuse which is related to injury and infections that can be life threatening. Restrictive programs are not associated with less syringe litter. We encourage people to take the syringes that they need until they can return to see us or the county syringe services program or place them in a kiosk.

**** During COVID it is especially important to ensure an ample supply of materials to assist with sheltering in place as needed as well as in preparation for any supply chain complications.

Only nurses and trained medical staff should be engaging with people who use drugs and offering syringe services

Syringe services should be low barrier. For some individuals, nurses or medical staff can be seen as a barrier. The county syringe program also utilizes volunteers to directly serve clients, just as we do. Peers and volunteers, many with lived experience, are of tremendous value and offer comfort and ease in building rapport and trust both of which are vital in meeting an individual where they are. Peer-run syringe service programs are a model that works around the world.

HRC of SCC does not refer people to services

We have a long list of adjunct services that we refer people to upon request as required by the California Department of Public Health. We offer a warm hand off and can connect people to nurses at and the County Clinics. On the first and third Sundays of the month, a fully staffed mobile van is on site to assist people with medical needs and access to Medication Assisted Treatment.

HRCSCC refers individuals to various services such as: HIV and Hep C testing, Medication Assisted Treatment navigation, and Integrated Behavioral Health groups, food distribution. We have also made referrals and the individual has the right to decline, which is sometimes the case.  We offer another contact to people in the community who use drugs, but sometimes we are the only contact.

HRC of SCC does not collect data

 We collect data that is required by the California Department of Public Health. Excessive data collection is NOT best practices. We are required to report to the County Health Services Director on a bi annual basis. We work closely with representatives at the California Department of Public Health and the Office of AIDS.

There is no local oversight

We work well with the county Health Services Agency and currently partner on a MAT Access grant. We collaborate with the statewide California Syringe Exchange program network. (CASEP) We are required every two years to report to the Health Services Agency. We have a long collaborative relationship with the Safe Rx Santa Cruz County and Community Prevention Partners.  HRC of SCC has met with community groups, Rotary Clubs, service providers. We are not required to meet with community groups, however we will consider with priority given to the safety of our volunteers, staff and participants. If you would like to request a meeting or presentation, please let us know via email at HRCofSCC@gmail.com

HRC of SCC undermines the county syringe program.

Our program supports and complements the county SSP. There are inherent limitations of the two fixed locations offered by the Health Services Agency. HRC of SCC works closely with the staff and director of the county Syringe Program. We understand that for a multitude of reasons the County Syringe Program cannot meet all the needs of every person in the county that uses drugs. Syringe service programs exist to provide safe injection supplies with no expectation, no requirement of other services, unless the individual determines there is a need.

Harm reduction programs are only a success if they lead to treatment or abstinence.

There are a multitude of common practices in our daily lives that are examples of harm reduction such as using bike helmets, condoms and seat belts. The point of those practices is to mitigate the harm of potentially dangerous activity, not promote abstinence from the activity. As we have seen in the battle for reproductive justice, attempting to push people into abstinence above all else simply does not work. We do not offer people condoms, helmets, and seat belts to get them to stop having sex, driving, or riding a bicycle — we offer these things to keep people healthy and alive while they are engaging in the activity.

The same principles apply to safe drug use supplies. Harm Reduction saves lives by keeping people alive and free of infectious communicable diseases. Harm Reduction is successful when an individual uses drugs more safety to avoid contracting Hepatitis C, HIV, endocarditis or localized skin infections that can result in death. A critical part of any harm reduction program in California is to achieve community saturation of Naloxone, (opioid overdose reversal drug) educating people on safer use regarding mixing drugs, using alone and using after a period of of not using such as after release from jail.

When trust and rapport are built over time, and if an individual is ready to seek help via treatment in a manner that they choose and value, we are here to provide guidance, and referrals. We appreciate that people use drugs for a myriad of complex reasons. We also understand that not all drug use is problematic or requiring treatment. We understand that substance use can have periods of remission and recurrence. Our Harm Reduction program is a key part of the continuum of care that includes Medication Assisted Therapy, behavioral health services, housing resources, nutrition and food programs, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, COVID vaccines, and more.