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Board approves $25.7 million increase to Syringe Access contract, asks Department of Public Health for better reporting on street collection
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved April 9 a $25.7 million increase to the city’s syringe access and disposal services contract with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, extending the contract through June 30, 2026.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved April 9 an amendment to expand and extend the city’s syringe access and disposal services contract with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The amendment increases the contract by $25,700,000, bringing the total not‑to‑exceed amount to approximately $35,600,000, and extends the term through June 30, 2026.
Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer spoke in support and sought further commitments on syringe collection and litter reduction. “Syringe access is a key component of the array of policies we use to prevent the spread of HIV and to save lives, and I fully support this program,” she said. At the same time, she described the city’s “dire problem with the amount of hazardous used syringes littering our streets” and requested a report detailing counts, collection success, and prevention strategies.
Public Health staff told the board the Department of Public Health (DPH) is working with the Controller’s Office, Public Works and the Recreation & Park Department to create a shared system for consistent tracking and reporting of syringes found in public spaces. Supervisor Fewer said that, having received follow‑up from DPH and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation after a committee hearing, she would support approval and expects a draft report to be available to the board.
Action: The board approved the contract amendment on first reading and adopted the resolution authorizing the amendment; the vote was unanimous. Supervisors said they expect the city’s coordinated tracking system and a forthcoming report to address collection metrics and prevention strategies.
Details: The amendment adds seven years to the contract term (through June 30, 2026) and increases funding so the city can maintain and scale syringe access, disposal and prevention services citywide. Supporters said the program is central to the city’s progress on reducing HIV transmission.
