Thousands of free needles could soon be distributed in our community without any local control. We have until May 24 to stop a flawed program from giving away needles that end up in our parks, playing fields, beaches and neighborhoods.

The Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County wants to operate a free needle distribution program in locations in our community, including less than 100 feet from the playground at Felton Covered Bridge Park and blocks away from a school in Pajaro.

We know that true needle exchange saves lives. But the Harm Reduction Coalition’s proposed program is not needle exchange. Rather, it is used needle proliferation and it is a threat to our children, environment, and health of our community.  

There has been no outreach to the community and law enforcement. This proposal shows a lack of concern or understanding that our community is already in crisis, with the rise in untreated addiction and the impacts that can be seen daily on our streets and in our neighborhoods and parks.

This is a free needle giveaway program. Used needles are being found daily in public places where our children play, including school yards.

To be clear: If this program, which has applied for a state grant to fund the giveaway of needles, is approved they will come into neighborhoods throughout the County with no oversight or local control.

Please support this petition. Then, tell the State Department of Health you oppose needle giveaways in your community. Send your comments to the "Harm Reduction Road Show" application at SEPApplication@cdph.ca.gov by May 24.

We are a compassionate community and addiction is a complex issue. True needle exchange programs, such as the existing program operated by medical professionals from the County Department of Health Services, are beneficial and with the opioid epidemic, we need a clean needle exchange program more than ever. The needle exchange program in Humboldt County reports a 94% return rate.

It is possible to do this right.  But this proposal that is based on free giveaways is not the answer.

Please support this petition today and tell your friends for the safety of our community!