SCC Needle Exhange - Little Orchard St. - FRIDAY

- 2009-2011 Little Orchard St, San Jose, CA 95125

For residents of California, public health initiatives are vital in addressing complex health challenges. The SCC Needle Exchange, specifically the mobile service located at Little Orchard St. on Fridays, is a key component of the Santa Clara County Harm Reduction Program. This program operates on the principle of reducing the negative health consequences associated with drug use, particularly among individuals who inject drugs. By providing free and confidential services, the SCC Needle Exchange plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, protecting both program participants and the wider community. The service is designed to be a non-judgmental and anonymous point of contact, offering support without requiring identification or insurance.

The program goes beyond simply providing sterile needles. It serves as a vital bridge to a variety of essential health and social services. Participants can access education on overdose prevention, learn how to use naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an overdose, and receive referrals to substance use treatment and mental health services. The mobile van at the Little Orchard St. location provides a range of supplies and information to promote safer practices, aiming to minimize health risks and improve overall well-being. This comprehensive approach underscores the program's commitment to public health and its dedication to meeting people where they are, providing crucial support on a consistent basis.

The SCC Needle Exchange mobile van is located at 2009-2011 Little Orchard St, San Jose, CA 95125. This location serves as a fixed point for the mobile service on Fridays, making it a reliable resource for those in the San Jose area. The specific hours of operation for the Little Orchard St. site are Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. As a mobile service, it offers flexibility and accessibility that a traditional, fixed clinic might not. A key feature of this location is the presence of a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, which ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can access the services without difficulty. The nature of the service, being a mobile van, means it is designed for ease of access and to be present in communities where it is needed most. The location is described as being midway between Curtner and San Jose Avenue, which provides a useful landmark for those unfamiliar with the area.

The program operates under a harm reduction philosophy, which includes making services as low-barrier as possible. This means there is no need for an appointment; it is a free, walk-in service. The confidentiality and anonymity of the services are also key components of their accessibility, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. While this particular service is mobile, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department operates other sites and has a dedicated Harm Reduction Center, ensuring that services are available on different days and at various locations throughout the week. This network of services is designed to maximize public health reach and support within the community.

• Provision of free, sterile syringes and needles.
• Safe disposal of used needles and sharps.
• Overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution.
• Free, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing and counseling.
• Free testing for syphilis.
• Provision of safer injection supplies and alternatives to injection supplies.
• Provision of safer sex supplies, including condoms.
• Referrals to substance use treatment services.
• Referrals to mental health services.
• Referrals to critical medical care, including vaccinations and wound treatment.
• Educational resources on sexual health and illness prevention.

• Confidential and anonymous services provided.
• No insurance or identification required.
• Service operates as a mobile van at a consistent weekly location.
• Wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available.
• Provides free, walk-in testing and counseling.
• Offers a wide range of harm reduction and health support services.

Address: 2009-2011 Little Orchard St, San Jose, CA 95125, USA

Phone: While the specific phone number for the mobile site is not listed, the Santa Clara County Harm Reduction Program can be reached through their main numbers for more information and services. Some staff can be contacted directly, as noted in public resources.

For residents of California, particularly those in the San Jose area, choosing to utilize a harm reduction program like the SCC Needle Exchange is a proactive and health-conscious decision. The program's core philosophy is to reduce harm without judgment, which is a key reason it is so valuable. It provides a safe, confidential space where individuals can access life-saving resources without fear of legal or social repercussions. This approach is proven to be highly effective in preventing the spread of diseases and reducing overdose deaths, which in turn protects the entire community. By using this service, individuals are taking a direct step to improve their own health and contribute to the well-being of others by ensuring the safe disposal of used equipment.

The sheer breadth of services offered is another compelling reason to choose this program. It is not just a needle exchange; it is a hub for comprehensive health support. The availability of free and rapid testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, for example, is a critical service that helps individuals get diagnosed early and connected to care. The provision of naloxone and training on how to use it is a life-saving measure that empowers both users and their networks to respond to an overdose emergency. The program’s ability to provide referrals to substance use and mental health treatment services also makes it a crucial entry point for those who may be ready to seek help for addiction. This makes the SCC Needle Exchange an invaluable part of the local public health infrastructure, serving as a critical first line of defense for a vulnerable population.

Furthermore, the physical and operational accessibility of the program makes it an easy and reliable choice. The mobile van's consistent weekly presence at Little Orchard St. means that services are predictable and reliable. The wheelchair-accessible parking lot is a simple but important feature that demonstrates a commitment to serving all community members, regardless of their physical condition. The fact that the services are free, anonymous, and require no ID or insurance removes significant barriers that might prevent people from seeking help elsewhere. For these reasons, the SCC Needle Exchange at Little Orchard St. is an essential, trustworthy, and effective public health resource that provides a vital service to the San Jose community, offering a path to better health and safety for all involved.

SCC Needle Exhange - Little Orchard St. - FRIDAY

2009-2011 Little Orchard St, San Jose, CA 95125, USA