In Fargo, the Harm Reduction Center is pushing forward, even after facing criticism. Staff members remain dedicated to educating people and distributing syringes to help keep them safe. Public health officials describe this effort as essential. Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Robyn Litke Sall emphasizes the importance of their work: “We need to keep them safe and alive until they can reach recovery.”
Despite attempts by Fargo city commissioners to shut down the needle exchange program, which have failed, the city aims to reduce overdose deaths. On November 10, some commissioners were critical of the program, especially regarding the distribution of glass smoking pipes intended to decrease the risk of overdose. Fargo Cass Public Health Director Jenn Faul noted that smoking drugs, rather than injecting them, correlates with a higher number of fatal overdoses.
The Harm Reduction Center launched the syringe services program in April 2018 and has since seen usage grow. The center provides not just syringes but also educational resources and referrals to treatment. Litke Sall explained, “We need to offer supplies, education, and connections to treatment to create a successful program.” This year alone, more than 1,400 individuals visited the center for services over 8,360 times, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
The program has also been successful in promoting safe syringe disposal. An impressive 72.4% of distributed syringes were returned via Public Health kiosks. This effort helps prevent environmental hazards associated with improperly discarded syringes. Staff at the center frequently engage with users to understand their syringe return habits, fostering trust and encouraging safe practices.
The center provides various supplies, including testing strips to detect dangerous substances like fentanyl. Public Health reported that 2,653 instances of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, were administered between 2019 and October 2025, highlighting the program’s lifesaving impact.
Harm Reduction Programs Director Jan Eliassen reiterated a key point: people will use drugs regardless of the program’s existence. The focus, therefore, is on risk reduction, building trust within the community, and providing support until users are ready to change. “You have to hang in there with folks for a long time to notice the small shifts towards healthier choices,” she said.
The cost-effectiveness of the program cannot be overlooked. For every dollar allocated to harm reduction initiatives, the city saves about $7.58 in preventative services costs. This indicative return benefits not only the individuals involved but also the broader community by reducing the spread of diseases. For instance, hepatitis C cases dropped by 67% in Fargo from 2021 to 2024.
As the Harm Reduction Center continues its work, it connects users to treatment when they’re ready. This year, it facilitated 190 referrals to treatment centers and other essential services. Staff members are there not just to provide supplies, but to support individuals in their journey toward better health.
Source link
Harm Reduction Center fargo,fargo cass public health,fargo needle exchange program,fargo public health,fargo syringe services,harm reduction center
