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Clatsop County health staff review harm reduction program as engagement and funding fall
Summary
County public health staff reported a steady decline in participation in the syringe-exchange–based harm reduction program, described logistical strains and likely reduced grant funding, and outlined plans to improve data collection and partnerships to keep services running.
County public health staff updated the Human Services Advisory Council on February 6 about the department's harm reduction program, saying participation has declined and program logistics and funding are creating operational challenges.
The county's harm reduction offering includes syringe exchange, sharps containers, distribution of naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips when available, safe injection kits and referrals to treatment and other services. "So our harm reduction program, we currently offer, syringe exchange," Public Health staff member Lisa said while describing the program.
Why it matters: staff said syringe exchange often draws participants and creates a contact point to provide naloxone, test strips and referrals. Declining syringe use and falling engagement could reduce that outreach opportunity and limit the program's ability to connect people to treatment and other services.
Key details and constraints: staff reported the program currently runs one day per week in two towns (Seaside and Astoria) for roughly 90 minutes each visit and that Warrenton is not currently served because the county has not secured a parking location with a memorandum of understanding. Lisa said storage needs are large because the program distributes bulky supplies and that recent staff turnover has reduced institutional knowledge. She said the program's data are being collected but not currently compiled efficiently; the county is working with IT to build a data tool to improve capacity.
Funding and outreach: Lisa said the program applied for a multi-year 'BURN' behavioral health grant and requested "600 and something thousand dollars," but she expects an award closer to $100,000. She described that as only one funding stream for the program. Advertising has been limited; staff now hand out discreet business-card style flyers with a QR code for naloxone training and have distributed naloxone widely at community events.
Locations and privacy concerns: Lisa said the Astoria site (behind Safeway near the Riverwalk) is less private following new apartment construction and may not work long term. Council member Valerie offered to discuss a possible Warrenton location after the meeting. Lisa said effective outreach locations are typically "tucked out of the way so that people don't feel like there's a lot of other people watching them when they're arriving."
Partnerships and technical guidance: staff noted the county participates in Save Lives Oregon's leadership team, which distributes naloxone and supplies statewide, and that CBH (Clatsop Behavioral Health) provides peer staff to outreach events. Lisa also referenced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) harm reduction framework as a high-level guidance document the county is using to situate its program.
Next steps: staff plan to improve the program's data capacity with an IT-built tool, explore alternate sites for Astoria and Warrenton, and strengthen referral follow-up (closed-loop referrals) with partners including CBH. Lisa encouraged advisory council members to suggest a representative to join the county's harm reduction planning process and attend one planning meeting to provide council feedback.
Ending: Council members requested copies of the county's business-card flyers and offered location leads. Lisa said she would e-mail a digital copy of the card and follow up on location ideas and the grant award when known.
