Needle exchanges could receive a financial boost this year following a decision by Congress to lift a ban on federal funding. As abuse of prescription drugs and opiates continues to spread across the nation, more states are considering exchanges as a way to save lives.
According to the California Department of Public Heath, there are nearly 40 programs in the state that provide syringe exchange services. Many have fixed locations, but others operate at various locations and times throughout the week. San Francisco County has the most programs with six, followed by Los Angeles with five and Humboldt with four.
Check out Anna Gorman’s full story on needle exchanges for an interactive version of the map above.