The Civic Center Needle Exchange program is exposing residents and visitors to used needles

Starting in February 2016, a group of UCI Med Students started operating a Needle Exchange in the Santa Ana Civic Center. Over the past few months, there have been numerous used needles found inside the Santa Ana Main Library, and a few needle-stick injuries in the Civic Center.

Those needle-stick injuries are not pleasant. The victims have to undergo blood-testing and they have to use condoms with their sexual partners. The victims could be exposed to HIV and Hepatitis.

Sharps collectors at the Santa Ana Civic Center © Igmar Rodas SAPD

The Washington Square neighborhood is next to the Civic Center. We wonder if they were notified of the Needle Exchange Program and did they approve it to operate in the Civic Center?

Community activist Igmar Rodas recently found a few needle containers used to dispose of hazardous needles on a planter and thrown on the floor. Per OSHA regulations this is not the proper way to secure a biohazard waste station. These carelessly placed containers are putting the homeless, employees, and school children at risk of puncturing themselves with used syringes.

Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.
Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

View Comments

  • I've noticed more needles every where in and out of civic center now that this needle exchange has been coming around, it's disgusting and it's not ok. My girlfriend came close to almost sitting on a used needle that was left behind on the benches.

Recent Posts

Tilly’s Life Center raised over $500K to support youth programs, at their annual O.C. gala

Tilly’s Life Center’s (TLC) recently raised over half a million dollars to support their youth…

5 hours ago

A small plan crashed near the Fullerton Airport this afternoon

On November 25, 2024, at approximately 1:46 PM, Fullerton Fire and Police personnel responded to…

5 hours ago

Firefighters had to extricate victims from two car crashes in Garden Grove last Friday

OCFA fire crews responded to two significant vehicle accidents in Garden Grove last Friday, requiring…

10 hours ago

An SUV was totally wrecked after hitting two light poles and a tree in Newport Beach

On November 24th, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Newport Beach Fire Department units NE63, NT63,…

13 hours ago

The SAPD arrested a man suspected in an armed robbery at a gas station

‼️UPDATE‼️ Earlier today, our robbery detectives arrested November 20, 2024, #WantedWednesday suspect Izaya Cuellar (35)…

1 day ago

Driver arrested for destroying the lawn of a Costa Mesa park while doing donuts with his vehicle

Late Friday night, police officers responded to Balearic Park regarding a vehicle doing “donuts” on…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.