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Flores, Dora From: CMF < Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:12 PM To: eComment Subject: Agenda Item 27 Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Hello, I'm commenting on agenda item 27. I've been a resident of Santa Ana in Ward 6 for 3 years. I am also a medical student. I want to make it clear I am not affiliated with the Harm Reduction Institute, but I'm asking that the council consider compromising on a mobile syringe program. Orange county is the largest county in the country by population without access to a syringe program. The claims submitted in this resolution lack evidence -based support and ignore public health concerns regarding overdoses and the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. I find it interesting that the resolution highlights the opposition of a former police chief to the needle exchange program, especially considering that the American Public Health Journal presents ample evidence that policing practices increase the rate of adverse health outcomes in the communities they serve. This suggests they may not be the most suitable guides for public health policy. I also want to add that the effectiveness of these programs is recognized by the World Health Organization and American Medical Association who emphasize that these resources can provide motivation to pursue recovery. Contrary to assertions made in this resolution, studies have confirmed that needle programs do not increase crime or worsen syringe litter. If the council does not come to a compromise on syringe services, rates of preventable disease will inevitably sky rocket, causing a public health crisis with an economic cost far greater than a needle program.