Honorable Doug Ducey

Capitol Complex, Executive Tower

9th Floor
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Dear Governor Ducey,

We are writing you as a coalition of community health providers and allies who aim to bring the focus
back to the worsening opioid crisis in Arizona, which continues to grow at a rapid and alarming rate.

Your leadership in declaring a public health emergency and calling for a Special Session of the 53rd
Legislature was a critical and concrete move that showed we can work together across party and
institutional lines to address a deeply rooted problem in our communities.

Unfortunately, the crisis did not end with the welcome passage of the Opioid Epidemic Act. Over a year
later, overdoses continue to rise and the presence of fentanyl has become increasingly common.

Currently, many of the evidence-based practices utilized elsewhere in the United States are
criminalized or go unutilized here in Arizona. For instance, Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) have
been proven an effective strategy to reduce the harms of the opioid epidemic. For many, a Syringe
Service Program is the first step that a person struggling with substance use disorder may take on the
journey of personal responsibility for their health and recovery. These programs act as a frontline and
serve as a comprehensive health resource that works with those struggling with substance use. They
provide health services through onsite medical care, screening, and counseling for HIV, Hepatitis C,
and STIs, along with resources to prevent overdose. All of this is in addition to their most important role:
acting as the trusted resource for those in the grips of addiction to find referrals to treatment. Research
has shown that people referred to treatment from a SSP are ​five times​ ​more likely ​to go and remain in
treatment. 1

These programs work, and they are working right here in Arizona. They do so, however, in a legal grey
area that leaves desperate people without clear access to health services and puts volunteers, first
responders, and law enforcement at risk. As a result of outdated drug paraphernalia laws, and despite
the awareness of public safety professionals who know these programs work, these evidence and
health-based programs utilized elsewhere in the US are still actually considered illegal in Arizona.

Syringe Service Programs are an important element to community health and safety as well. On a far
too regular basis, the men and women charged with our safety are stuck by used needles and are at
risk for health complications because our laws fail to keep them safe. SSPs have been shown to reduce
those accidental needlesticks2. We have the ability to prevent the spread of communicable diseases,

1
Hagan H, McGough JP, Thiede H, Hopkins S, Duchin J, Alexander ER. Reduced injection frequency and
increased entry and retention in drug treatment associated with needle-exchange participation in Seattle drug
injectors. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2000;19, 247–252.
2
Groseclose SL, Weinstein B, Jones TS, Valleroy LA, Fehrs LJ, Kassler WJ. Impact of increased legal access to
needles and syringes on practices of injecting-drug users and police officers—Connecticut, 1992-1993. Journal of
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology. 1995;10(1):82–89.
protect our first responders, and provide treatment for those who need it most, if only we update our
laws to reflect what the evidence says works.

Too many lives are on the line to continue with the status quo. Arizona has fallen behind in its response
to this national crisis, states like North Carolina, Indiana, and Kentucky have all implemented syringe
service legislation and are seeing the benefits in their communities. We are sincere in our call to action
and hope to work with your office and the Arizona State Legislature to immediately enact policies that
are evidence-based, life-saving, and supportive of public safety.

Sincerely,

Addiction Haven Navajo County Sheriff’s Office

American Friends Service Committee Phoenix Allies for Community Health
Ahwatukee Health and Recovery The Phoenix Shanti Group
Arizona Council Of Human Service Providers Pima County Community Prevention Coalition
Arizona Opioid Treatment Coalition Pima County Public Defense Services
Arizona Psychological Association Project HOPE
Arizona Public Health Association Regional Center for Border Health
Arizona Rural Health Association Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana
Aunt Rita’s Foundation University
AZ Poison Center Sonoran Prevention Works
Arizona Society of Addiction Medicine South Mountain Works Coalition
Community Medical Services Southwest Behavioral Health Services
COPE Community Services The Haven Tucson
Copper Basin Coalition Alyssa Padilla, MPH
The Cree Project Alicia Allen, PhD, MPH
Evolution Way Recovery Center Claire McLoone, LMSW
Frantz Fanon Community Strategy Center Michelle Valandingham, MHA, BHSc
Gila County Public Health Department Natasha Mendoza, MSW, PhD
Grace Lutheran Church Rabbi Mari Chernow
Horizon Health and Wellness William Beverly PhD
Law Enforcement Action Partnership