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Harm reduction program

Last updated: 9/16/24
The Harm Reduction Program was formerly called the Needle Exchange Program

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Harm reduction programs are community and evidence-based programs built on a belief in and respect for the rights of people who use drugs. The program provides a range of services that have been proven to prevent diseases that can spread through shared drug use equipment and/or sex (HIV, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, Chlamydia) through provision of safer supplies, services and information. Harm reduction programs are also proven to save lives, help those with substance use disorders get needed support, prevent overdose death and supporting communities in reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use.

Harm reduction services and supplies

The County of Santa Clara Harm Reduction Program provides services and supplies free of cost for the community.

The Harm Reduction Program is anonymous and confidential, you do not need to present identification to receive services. However, if you would like to be referred to additional medical services you may be required to present identification.  

Harm reduction services and supplies include, but are not limited to: 

ServicesSupplies
  • Training to prevent opioid overdoses including how to use naloxone and fentanyl test strips
  • Post-overdose support services
  • Low-barrier linkage to medication assisted treatment
  • HIV, hepatitis C, STI testing and treatment
  • Hepatitis C linkage to care program
  • Referrals to medical and social services
  • Safe disposal of syringes
  • Naloxone (for opioid overdose), fentanyl test strips, and sterile syringes
  • Sharps containers
  • Alternatives to injection supplies (supplies for snorting, smoking and booty bumping)
  • Caps or cookers
  • Tourniquets
  • Alcohol wipes 
  • Bandages or gauze
  • Safer sex supplies
  • Sterile water
  • Cotton
  • Hygiene supplies

We are a needs-based syringe distribution program for people who inject drugs, with an approach to provide sterile syringes with no restrictions. We also provide participants of the program free sharps containers in order to store and transport used syringes safely. We highly encourage our participants to return used syringes at future program visits.

Post Overdose Support Team (POST)

The Post Overdose Support Team (POST) provides comprehensive support to individuals who have survived an overdose, including:

  • Immediate care support and resources within 1 to 3 days post-overdose to prevent subsequent overdoses
  • Opioid overdose prevention supplies such as naloxone, fentanyl, and xylazine test strips
  • Risk reduction education focused on preventing overdoses and promoting safer drug use
  • Referrals to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), detoxification services, outpatient care, and other requested services
  • Assistance with housing, food, healthcare, and mental health services
  • Provision of harm reduction supplies and services
  • Technical assistance for service providers

Who we serve:
Individuals who have survived an overdose, as well as their partners, friends, and family members.

How to reach us:
Phone: (669) 326-4406
Email: [email protected]

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department offers low-barrier Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)for participants that use opioids, stimulants, and/or alcohol that are interested in taking a break, quitting substances, or reducing their risk of overdose. Substance use navigators are available to provide education, linkage, and referral for safe, effective, and timely access to MAT. Clinical providers are available via telehealth.

For more information and services, contact Substance Use Navigation staff:

For our community partners

Request harm reduction services or supplies

If you are a community partner or business in Santa Clara County and  would like harm reduction services or supplies, please complete our request form. This includes requests for outreach events, training sessions, health education materials, and presentations.

Complete the Request Form

About the County of Santa Clara Drug User Health Advisory Committee (DUHAC)

DUHAC is a collaborative advisory board comprised of drug users and others who are concerned with drug user health in the county. The mission of the DUHAC is to empower drug users and other community stakeholders to guide and oversee harm reduction services by providing a formal mechanism for stakeholders to provide recommendations, guidance and feedback on agency policies regarding, treatment of and service provision to drug users and proximate community members.

Interested in joining DUHAC or have questions? Please contact [email protected]

The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project

The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project is a coalition of health care professionals and other volunteers from a variety of backgrounds whose aim is to promote opioid safety throughout our county for all residents. Our coalition is part of a larger network of opioid safety coalitions throughout the state, called the California Opioid Prevention Network. Interested in joining or have questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Your questions answered

Under California law, it is lawful to carry syringes, alternatives to injection supplies (including pipes), naloxone, or other materials you may receive from the Harm Reduction Program. Know your rights. To learn more, see the resources below from the 
 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of AIDS:

If you have or find new or used syringes that you wish to dispose of, bring them to any of our locations. See our schedule for hours and locations at the top of this web page. Find other drop-off locations near you.

  • DO NOT Throw syringes in the garbage or recycling bins.
  • DO NOT Flush syringes down the toilet or drop into storm drains.

Protect yourself, your community, your environment, and family and friends. The proper disposal of syringes is important!

  • Prescription opioids are strong medicines, usually pills, that a person can get from a doctor to treat pain. These powerful medicines can also have serious risks and side effects. Common types are oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone.
  • Fentanyl is a manmade pain reliever. It is many times more powerful than other pain-relieving drugs and is approved for treating extreme pain, like cancer-related pain. Illegally made and distributed fentanyl has been on the rise in several states.
  • Heroin is an illegal pain-relieving drug.

Xylazine is marketed as a veterinary tranquilizer that produces sedative-like effects. It is becoming more frequently found in the drug supply throughout the country, so check out the Xylazine info sheet to be in the know!

English Info Sheet

Valley Homeless Clinic at Alexian
Drop-in psychiatric and health care clinic for unhoused individuals, call for hours and location.
(408) 272-6050

Homefirst Shelter Clinic 
Drop-in health care clinic for unhoused individuals, call for hours and location.
(408) 510-7543

Mobile Medical Unit
Drop-in health care clinic for unhoused individuals, call for location near you.
(408) 690-6180

Mobile Dental Unit
Routine and emergency dental care, call for a location near you.
(408) 568-9446

Naloxone Finder
Locate where you can get Naloxone for free.

2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 information on housing, food distribution and other assistance programs.  

National Harm Reduction Coalition

You can visit ODFreeSCC.org. This website has information and services to help prevent overdoses in Santa Clara County. You will find details on where to get safer drug use supplies, tips for safer drug use, treatment options, and other ways to prevent overdoses and support recovery.

About the Harm Reduction Program

For the past three decades, the Harm Reduction Program has been at the forefront of public health efforts to promote safer behaviors proven to control the spread of blood borne viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis C. The program is also playing a vital role in helping to decrease opioid overdose deaths and serve as a bridge to other health and social services.

The Harm Reduction Program is housed within the Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program of the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. 

View the Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program Strategic Plan 2022 - 2026.