After much pushback from city officials, the California Department of Public Health rescinded its authorization for the Harm Reduction Institute to provide syringe exchange services in Santa Ana.

The nonprofit had recently received approval from state officials to provide delivery of clean syringes and pickup of used syringes at private homes, tents and other non-traditional forms of housing.

But now the nonprofit’s application to run the delivery service is once again “pending.” The state health department said it is inviting the city’s law enforcement officers to “further engage and consult” with the department regarding the organization’s application, according to a release from the city.

City Manager Kristine Ridge and Police Chief David Valentin sent in May a letter of opposition to the California Department of Public Health, pointing to concerns about public health and safety after a previous exchange program. County leaders also voiced concern. Local officials redoubled their opposition after hearing recently the program had been approved.

Mayor Valerie Amezcua said she is pleased with the state’s reversal.

“It’s a win for Santa Ana and for the constituents, and I hope they are re-evaluating and taking a look at another city that they could possibly place a needle exchange program, but not in Santa Ana,” Amezcua said, adding that she and the rest of the City Council have been very clear about their opposition to the program. “Hopefully we will not have to address this issue again.”

The Orange County Needle Exchange Program operated in Santa Ana between 2016 and 2018 before shutting down after city officials denied it a permit, saying the service had resulted in needles littering the area. In November 2018, the same group was barred by a judge from running a mobile needle exchange program in four Orange County cities, including Santa Ana, saying volunteers didn’t have adequate resources to prevent or clean up needle litter.

Carol Newark, executive director of the Harm Reduction Institute, said her organization understands why the state rescinded, however, she finds it disappointing. Newark said she hopes further dialogue between the state’s health department, law enforcement and city officials will lead to a better understanding of the organization’s mission.

The Harm Reduction Institute currently offers other overdose prevention and harm reduction services to about 300 people via street outreach yearly, as well as case management and treatment navigation services for participants who need medical care or social and mental health services.

Newark said the nonprofit is not deterred.

“It is a setback, but I think it’s a minor setback. It’s not like we are being told no, and that they’re not going to even consider our application anymore,” Newark said. “We’re still here. We haven’t left.

“We’re still fighting every day to open, ” she said. “And we’re doing everything that we can to make sure that the service will be provided to the people who need it and will meet the needs of the community.”

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