Santa Cruz County sheriff speaks out against Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart has written a letter to the California Department of Public Health speaking out against the Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County.
It was included in a social media post by the Sheriff’s Office. In the post, the office said it recently heard about the Harm Reduction Coalition’s application for additional syringe distribution, and expressed concerns.
“The Sheriff’s Office supports a responsible County Syringe Services Program conducted by medical professionals with public oversight,” the Sheriff’s Office aid said in a post, “We do not, however, support a secondary program where there is little to no oversight coupled with no other services offered.”
Hart’s letter expresses a similar sentiment, saying: “I do not support a new or secondary program where there will be little to no oversight and no other services offered. Community members across our county are speaking out against this secondary program and it is clear there is very little community support, will or tolerance for this program.”
He continues by saying that residents are tired of the drug abuse in Santa Cruz County, and despite good intentions, he believes handing out more syringes is too simple of an approach to the complex issue of addiction.
In addition to Sheriff Hart’s letter, the Sheriff’s Office included a link to the California Department of Public Health. That department is handling the application and has a public comment period that closes May 24.
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