EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (November 20, 2023) – In recent weeks, a debate has sparked within our community regarding the effectiveness and safety of the syringe exchange program, with some advocating for its discontinuation. The primary contention revolves around the alleged increase in used needles being left in public spaces, raising concerns about public safety and the potential consequences for the community. In an escalating battle between El Dorado County leaders and the Sierra Harm Reduction Coalition (SHRC), the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved sending another letter to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), vehemently expressing disapproval of the syringe exchange program. This move comes after the CDPH reauthorized SHRC’s operations in the county.
The letter, signed by Board Chair Wendy Thomas and Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, reinforces the county’s stance that the syringe exchange program, aimed at preventing the spread of diseases among drug users, is causing more harm than good.
The county’s leaders, including Supervisor Lori Parlin, District Attorney Vern Pierson, and police chiefs Joe Wren and David Stevenson, met with CDPH representatives on November 8 to outline their concerns regarding the program’s impact on the community.
Background of Syringe Exchange Programs:
Syringe exchange programs have been implemented in various cities as a harm reduction strategy, aiming to prevent the spread of bloodborne diseases among injection drug users. These initiatives typically provide individuals with access to clean needles in exchange for used ones, along with additional health services and resources.
Public Safety Concerns:
Critics argue that despite the well-intentioned purpose of these programs, the presence of used needles in public areas has become a growing problem. Reports have emerged of discarded needles in parks, playgrounds, and other shared spaces, raising anxieties about the safety of residents, particularly children, who may come into contact with these potentially hazardous materials. Despite the syringe exchange program’s primary goal of preventing the spread of HIV and hepatitis, county leaders argue that SHRC’s activities, especially within the homeless population, are counterproductive to the county’s ongoing efforts. Board Chair Wendy Thomas expressed concerns about discarded needles posing public health and safety hazards in community spaces.
“It is creating a public health and safety nuisance and hazard along our public spaces like our parks, and the harm greatly outweighs any potential benefits that they see,” Thomas stated.
The letter further asserts that the county has observed an increase in the number of syringes and drug paraphernalia in public places, specifically near the main county library. It suggests a connection between residents of the navigation center, who leave during the day to meet with SHRC and receive supplies, and the accumulation of discarded paraphernalia.
Concerns About Program Oversight:
The county’s letter highlights discrepancies in the number of needles distributed and recovered by SHRC, with a potential 25,000 needles unaccounted for. This, along with concerns about the program’s alleged contribution to overdose deaths, has fueled the county’s determination to cease SHRC’s activities.
Community Voices:
Supervisor Lori Parlin emphasized the importance of education and service-oriented approaches over simply providing supplies, echoing the sentiment that the current program needs to cease.
“We are seeing needles around our community. It is creating a public health and safety nuisance and hazard along our public spaces like our parks and the harm greatly outweighs any potential benefits that they see.” Wendy Thomas, District 3 supervisor
Program Advocates and Health Experts Respond:
Proponents of the syringe exchange program stress its crucial role in reducing the transmission of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Health experts argue that discontinuing the program could lead to an increase in needle-sharing among drug users, potentially exacerbating public health risks.
Local Government Response:
County leaders contend that the continued operation of syringe exchange programs would contribute to increased drug addiction and overdose deaths. According to the DA’s office, there were 43 overdose deaths in El Dorado County in 2022, with only three deaths caused by HIV and nine from hepatitis. The county’s letter to CDPH claims that products received from SHRC were found at the scenes of these overdoses.
The local government is actively engaging in discussions to address these concerns. Officials are exploring options to improve the collection and disposal of used needles, including increasing the number of disposal kiosks in strategic locations and implementing public awareness campaigns on safe disposal practices.
Local Control
Sheriff Jeff Leikauf expressed his preference for local control, stating,
“I like it when we can maintain local control and that we don’t have someone above us telling us what we have to do to keep our community safe and healthy.”
The Path Forward: Balancing Public Safety and Harm Reduction:
As the community navigates this complex issue, finding a balance between public safety and harm reduction remains a top priority. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, health experts, and concerned residents are essential to ensure that the benefits of harm reduction programs are upheld while effectively managing the disposal of used needles to safeguard the well-being of the entire community.
In response to the perceived lack of responsiveness from the CDPH, county leaders are exploring local ordinances to regain control over such programs. Board Chair Wendy Thomas mentioned the possibility of implementing an urgency ordinance similar to Placer County’s, which prohibits syringe exchange programs.
Seeking a Balance
As the controversy intensifies, El Dorado County leaders remain committed to their stance against the syringe exchange program, emphasizing the need for a solution that balances public safety and harm reduction effectively.
