HomeMy WebLinkAbout17 - Opposition to Mobile Needle Exchange Program in Costa Mesa - LetterJune 20, 2018
To Whom It May Concern:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
870 Santa Barbara Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949-644-3681 1 949-644-3794 Fax
newportbeachca.gov
On behalf of the City of Newport Beach, I hereby respectfully offer my significant
concerns about a proposed location for a mobile needle exchange program in adjacent
Costa Mesa, California. The route for the mobile program includes areas of Costa Mesa
that are very close to Newport Beach, including being close to schools such as Pacifica
Christian High School, Carden Hall (a private elementary and middle school) and
Coastline Community College.
In offering my concerns, I am not expressing an opinion about the merits of clean
needle exchange. While I am not a public health official, I can certainly understand the
goal of avoiding transmission of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.
My concern is the proximity of this program to many school-age children, and how the
interaction of the Program's clients to these schools' parents, students and teachers
may not be a positive one. I urge you, as well as the Program, to consider alternatives
to mobile needle exchange in this area, and indeed to any area near schools.
Sincerely,
on T. Lewis
CHIEF OF POLICE
Cc: Dave Kiff, City Manager
City Council Members