HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-20; Vista Community Clinic Application for Syringe Services Program (Districts -All); Williams, MickeyTo the members ofthe:
CITY COUNCIi,. Datell2�(23cAxcc {/
CM� v' OCM(3)_k::. - -
July 20, 2023
Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor rn and Members of the City Council
From: Mickey Williams, h, lice
Via: Scott Chadwick, Ci M g r
{cityof Carlsbad Memo ID# 2023075 Re: Vista Community Clinic Application for Syringe Services Program (Districts -All)
This memorandum provides City Council with information related to a proposed syringe
services program within the City of Vista and the Police Chief's response to a request for input.
Background
On July 19, 2023, Chief Williams was advised that the Vista Community Clinic (VCC) has applied
to the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS (CDPH/OA) for authorization of a
syringe services program.
Discussion
In accordance with requirements in Health and Safety Code section 121349, CDPH sent an email
seeking consultation with the local health officer of San Diego and law enforcement officials in
the proposed service areas, including Carlsbad. CDPH requested input from Chief Williams
pertaining to the authorization application.
Under the proposed syringe services program, VCC will provide harm reduction services to the
underserved areas of the north regions of San Diego County. These services will include
distribution of safer injection kits and disposal, fentanyl education and test strip distribution,
naloxone education and distribution, safer sex supplies, hygiene kits, and wound care supplies.
Mobile services will be provided in north San Diego County in various locations in the cities of
Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos, Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday from
7 to 9 a.m. and from 1 to 5 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.
The application is attached for your review. The OA has initiated a 45-day public comment
period through a posting on the CDPH/OA website. Public comment closes on
September 1, 2023.
Fiscal Impact
There is no anticipated direct fiscal impact to the City of Carlsbad.
Relevant Legislative Platform Position Statements
The following position statements are found in the city's legislative platform, and help inform
the comments provided by Police Chief Williams, below:
Police Department
2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 442-339-2100 t
Council Memo -Vista Community Clinic Application for Syringe Services Program (Districts -All)
July 20, 2023
Page 2
Guiding Principles
Ill. Protect Quality of Life -The city supports state legislation and funding that preserve the
safety, security, cultural resources and we/I-being of our residents, workers, businesses and
visitors. The city opposes efforts that would negatively impact the infrastructure, public health
and safety, community development, equitable community services, cultural integrity and
environmental programs and other city efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life in
Carlsbad.
Healthy Cities
(a) Support legislation that recognizes and prevents adverse impacts affecting public health and
the welfare of all residents, visitors and workers, and especially the young.
Police Chief Williams' Response
On July 19, 2023, Police Chief Williams provided the following response to Marjorie Katz from
the CDPH/OA, Harm Reduction Unit.
Hello Marjorie,
Thank you for the email and opportunity to respond with a comment.
I would like it noted that I have substantial concerns with the provision of safer injection kits
within North County and specifically within the City of Carlsbad. I firmly believe that assisting in
the administration and ingestion of highly addictive and harmful substances is
counterproductive to the health, safety, and we/I-being of our community.
I also have concerns regarding the distribution of fentanyl test strips. The handling, testing and
ingestion of illegal narcotics to include fentanyl or suspected fentanyl is exceptionally dangerous
and in my opinion is harmful to the health, safety, and we/I-being of our community.
With respect to the disposal of safer injection kits, or the provision of fentanyl education
naloxone education and distribution, safer sex supplies (provided only to adults, 18 years of age
or older), hygiene kits, and wound care supplies, I have no objection.
If you would like any additional information, please let me know.
Respectfully,
Mickey Williams
Police Chief
Carlsbad Police Department
2560 Orion Way
Carlsbad, CA 92010
0: 442.339.2130
www.carlsbadca.gov/police
cc: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney