Office of Aids

List of State-Authorized Syringe Services Programs & Applications Open for Public Comment

The California Syringe Services Authorization Program allows qualified organizations to apply directly to CDPH/Office of AIDS (OA) for authorization to provide syringe services. California law allows providers to seek either local authorization from their city council or county board of supervisors, or state authorization through CDPH/OA. California law also allows physicians and pharmacists to furnish or sell syringes to adults aged 18 and older for disease prevention purposes.

Most syringe services programs (SSPs) in California have been locally authorized. The Directory of California SSPs lists all authorized SSPs in the state, and the OA Harm Reduction webpages provide more information.

OA offers technical assistance for programs interested in pursuing state authorization. For details, contact CDPH/OA at SSPinfo@cdph.ca.gov.

CDPH/OA welcomes comments on all proposed applications. Once an organization files an application, CDPH/OA will review the application. If an application meets the requirements outlined in Health and Safety Code Section 121349, CDPH/OA will announce the start of a 45-day public comment period prior to further review.