Published on December 22, 2016. Last modified on August 07, 2026
Syringe exchange is a public health intervention which is proven to reduce the transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis C in the community. Syringe exchange programs work by providing people who cannot or will not stop injecting illegal drugs with new syringes and a place to safely dispose of used syringes. In addition, syringe exchange programs serve as a point of access to health education and other physical and mental health services. They provide a wide range of services in addition to syringe exchange and disposal. These services include HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, overdose prevention training, free naloxone distribution, and referrals to drug treatment, housing, and mental health services. They also provide first aid and basic supplies, facilitate hepatitis C telemedicine visits, and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Monterey County Board of Supervisors authorized the first syringe exchange programs for Monterey County residents in 1994. Syringe exchanges programs have been operating in Monterey County nearly continuously since then. California Health and Safety Code Section 11364.7 (a) guarantees freedom from criminal prosecution for public entities and their agents or employees who distribute syringes or syringes during a lawfully authorized syringe exchange project/program.
Since January 2017, Access Support Network operates a syringe exchange program in Monterey County authorized by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Please see below for service locations and dates. Questions about hours of operations and services should be directed to Access Support Network at 831-975-5016.
Monterey County Syringe Exchange Schedule
Location of ASN Mobile Van*
Days & Times
633 Camino El Estero (Lake El Estero Duck Pond Parking Lot across from car wash), Monterey
Wednesdays 10:30am - 12:30pm
15 East Lake Street (corner of Bridge and Lake Streets), Salinas
Fridays 1:30pm - 3:30pm
*Look for the white van with the ASN logo on the side as shown below for services.
The Monterey County Health Department's Public Health Bureau is actively seeking comment from the public about syringe exchange services in Monterey County. Businesses, community groups, and residents are encouraged to provide feedback by contacting Kristy Michie, Assistant Director of Public Health, at 831-755-4503 Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm, by emailing MichieKJ@CountyofMonterey.gov, or by mail addressed to County of Monterey Health Department, ATTN: Kristy Michie, 1270 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA 93906.
Your input helps us better serve our communities. Input received before March 31, 2026, will be incorporated into the 2025 report on syringe exchange services. However, public comment is welcome throughout the year.
Monterey County Health Department provides information on syringe exchange utilization to inform partner agencies and the public of syringe exchange activities in Monterey County. Questions about syringe exchange utilization data can be directed to Access Support Network at 831-975-5016 or to Kristy Michie, Monterey County Health Department, at 831-755-4503. Below syringe exchange utilization data are current as of August 7, 2026.
Utilization Category
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Total Number of Syringes Distributed
50,892
113,847
195,381
313,220
293,567
306,224
171,227
109,028
85,084
Total Number of Syringes Collected
50,899
114,273
196,486
313,228
293,571
306,237
171,251
109,137
86,207
Total Number of Client Encounters
3,048
3,727
3,847
4,186
2,849
5,837
4,904
4,752
5,886
Total Number of Clients Served (Unique Client Count)
217
278
340
454
634
1,496
1,678
2,208
2,969
Age of Individuals Served
18-24 Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
9%
0%
2%
4%
6%
3%
3%
25-34 Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
0%
3%
27%
26%
22%
21%
22%
35-44 Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
45%
58%
25%
27%
28%
29%
30%
45-54 Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
27%
25%
20%
18%
20%
19%
24%
55-64 Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
18%
15%
21%
20%
18%
19%
17%
65+ Years
Not Collected
Not Collected
0%
0%
5%
4%
6%
8%
5%
Gender of Individuals Served
Male
67%
65%
63%
62%
71%
70%
71%
72%
72%
Female
32%
33%
37%
38%
28%
30%
28%
28%
28%
Transgender
1%
3%
0%
0%
<1%
<1%
<1%
0%
0%
Other
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
>1%
Race & Ethnicity of Individuals Served
American Indian & Other Indigenous Peoples
Not Collected
28%
4%
7%
10%
7%
6%
5%
Not Collected
Asian, Non-Hispanic
1%
1%
1%
4%
2%
3%
4%
3%
Not Collected
Black or African-American, Non-Hispanic
9%
3%
4%
8%
8%
8%
7%
9%
Not Collected
Hispanic, Any Race
42%
34%
26%
34%
43%
38%
43%
50%
Not Collected
White, Non-Hispanic
34%
30%
44%
37%
30%
38%
37%
31%
Not Collected
Other and Multi-Racial, Non-Hispanic
15%
5%
21%
10%
8%
7%
3%
3%
Not Collected
Geographic Region of Residence
Monterey Peninsula & Big Sur
3%
15%
<1%
<1%
7%
19%
22%
21%
Not Collected
North County
4%
5%
0%
<1%
1%
3%
1%
6%
Not Collected
Salinas Area
90%
80%
99%
99%
91%
77%
75%
71%
Not Collected
South County
3%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
2%
3%
Not Collected
Risk Information
Injection Drug User
100%
100%
98%
100%
79%
73%
52%
30%
17%
Friend, Family Member, or Sex Partner
0%
0%
2%
0%
3%
5%
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Homeless
Not Collected
16%
26%
28%
69%
74%
82%
78%
Not Collected
Other
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
2%
1%
Not Collected
Assistance Referrals
Substance Abuse Treatment
Not Collected
49
250
115
63
158
157
149
Not Collected
HIV and/or Hepatitis C Testing
Not Collected
59
166
8
135
533
867
251
Not Collected
Naloxone and Overdose Education
Not Collected
116
292
151
268
640
4,121
5,656
Not Collected
Primary Care or Wound Care
Not Collected
18
40
202
69
726
1,749
1,374
Not Collected
Housing Services
Not Collected
2
7
18
18
113
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Food Bank and Food Assistance
Not Collected
25
10
18
389
715
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Other
Not Collected
0
0
0
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Not Collected
Beginning January 1, 2015, legislation removes prior limits on the number of syringes pharmacies may sell without a prescription. Many pharmacists are unaware of the current law that allows pharmacies to sell syringes without a prescription or are unclear on what the law allows and requires. While the law allows pharmacies to sell syringes without a prescription, it does not require that pharmacies sell syringes without a prescription. Please check with your pharmacy to determine their policy.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, namely slowed or stopped breathing. Expanding the awareness and availability of this medication is a key part of the public health response to the opioid epidemic. Naloxone is a safe antidote to a suspected overdose and, when given in time, can save a life. If you or someone you know meets any of the following criteria, there is elevated risk for an opioid overdose.
Misusing prescription opioids (like oxycodone) or using heroin or illicit synthetic opioids (like fentanyl or carfentanil).
Having an opioid use disorder, especially those completing opioid detoxification or being discharged from treatment that does not include ongoing use of methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
Being recently discharged from emergency medical care following an opioid overdose.
Being recently released from incarceration with a history of opioid misuse or opioid use disorder.
Everyone has a role to play in reducing overdoses.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone. Some insurances cover the cost.
Learn the signs of opioid overdose, like pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness.
Get trained to administer naloxone in the case of a suspected emergency.
Click here for a list of locations in Monterey County where free naloxone is available. Free naloxone is also available in the lobby of the Health Department's 1270 Natividad Rd., Salinas, location.
