After conducting a thorough evaluation of a proposal by the Orange County Needle Exchange Program (OCNEP) to distribute syringes in the Westside of Costa Mesa, the Costa Mesa Police Department has issued a response to the California Department of Public Health in opposition to this program.

City and law enforcement officials concluded that the needle exchange program had the potential to increase discarded needles in the city and present a safety risk to residents and others.

“There is a unanimous agreement regarding the potential public safety concerns posed by the OCNEP,” the memorandum stated. “Therefore, CMPD is opposed to implementation of the OCNEP in Costa Mesa at this time.”

To read the Police Department’s full statement click here.

According to the California Department of Public Health’s website, the Orange County Needle Exchange Program has submitted an application to operate its needle exchange program daily in Costa Mesa from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in an area bounded by (N) West 18th Street, (E) Monrovia Avenue, (S) West 16th Street, (W) the outer border of Armstrong Petroleum.

Members of the public who are interested in more information or commenting on this program can visit the California Department of Public Health’s application page here.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/OA_prev_secpapp.aspx