The 2016–2017 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury Requires that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

The SSP currently operates without a budget or permanent staff, which hinders the success of program goals. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): While it does not have a standalone budget, the Syringe Services Program (SSP) is overseen by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) administration and embedded within the clinic setting at HSA. With financial assistance form the State, the County provides safe, clean needles to injection drug users. This objective, along with other program principles such as the one-to-one needle exchange, are being met under the current structure. However, the Board is committed to improving operations, and there are new funding opportunities at hand. Congress recently lifted the federal ban on funding for needle exchange operations, creating potential funding opportunities for SSP. HSA will continue exploring outside funding sources with hopes of securing grants for this program in the future. The County also expects President Trump's recent announcement that he will declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency will free up further resources. The Board recently approved a Whole Person Care (WPC) Pilot grant program that provides funding for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, and other health conditions who are homeless or are at risk for homelessness. The Board also understands HSA will pursue funding through future Drug Medi-Cal expansion and other resources to enhance SSP operations.