OBJECTIVES: We studied the effect of local approval of syringe exchange programs in California (through Assembly AB136) on program availability and performance. METHODS: We determined the number of active syringe exchange programs in California by conducting Internet searches and obtaining information from the state and from local programs. To track changes in program availability and performance between 2000 and 2002, we interviewed 24 program directors annually for 3 years about program characteristics, syringe exchange policies, law enforcement contact, and other issues. We conducted multivariate analyses to determine whether AB136 approval status was associated with changes in performance. RESULTS: Fifteen local governments (13 counties and 2 cities) enacted the new law by 2002, and operating syringe exchange programs increased from 24 to 35. The proportion of these programs that were not locally approved declined from 54% to 40%. No new approved programs were started in high-need counties. Total syringes exchanged increased by more than 1 million per year, average annual budgets increased by more than 50%, and police harassment of the program volunteers, clients, and operators declined. Improvements at approved syringe exchange programs accounted for these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Statewide approval and funding appears necessary to further syringe exchange availability in California.
OBJECTIVES: We studied the effect of local approval of syringe exchange programs in California (through Assembly AB136) on program availability and performance. METHODS: We determined the number of active syringe exchange programs in California by conducting Internet searches and obtaining information from the state and from local programs. To track changes in program availability and performance between 2000 and 2002, we interviewed 24 program directors annually for 3 years about program characteristics, syringe exchange policies, law enforcement contact, and other issues. We conducted multivariate analyses to determine whether AB136 approval status was associated with changes in performance. RESULTS: Fifteen local governments (13 counties and 2 cities) enacted the new law by 2002, and operating syringe exchange programs increased from 24 to 35. The proportion of these programs that were not locally approved declined from 54% to 40%. No new approved programs were started in high-need counties. Total syringes exchanged increased by more than 1 million per year, average annual budgets increased by more than 50%, and police harassment of the program volunteers, clients, and operators declined. Improvements at approved syringe exchange programs accounted for these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Statewide approval and funding appears necessary to further syringe exchange availability in California.
Authors: Scott Burris; Alexander C Wagenaar; Jeffrey Swanson; Jennifer K Ibrahim; Jennifer Wood; Michelle M Mello Journal: Milbank Q Date: 2010-06 Impact factor: 4.911
Authors: Alexis N Martinez; Ricky N Bluthenthal; Jennifer Lorvick; Rachel Anderson; Neil Flynn; Alex H Kral Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2007-05 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Tanner Nassau; Alia Al-Tayyib; William T Robinson; Jennifer Shinefeld; Kathleen A Brady Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2020 Jul/Aug Impact factor: 2.792
Authors: Richard S Garfein; Thomas J Stopka; Patricia B Pavlinac; Alessandra Ross; B Karen Haye; Elise D Riley; Ricky N Bluthenthal Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2010-07 Impact factor: 3.671