Santa Monica residents protest to stop needle distribution program NBC Los Angeles [Video]

Santa Monica residents and parents secured thousands of signatures as they prepared to sue the city to halt Los Angeles County’s needle distribution program.

The needle distribution program has been operated at Reed Park in Santa Monica for over two years. The program, which provides free clean needles, Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, aims to help those struggling with drug addiction. However, critics say the program harms the people who live here.

“It’s not clean, it’s not safe,” Angela DiGaetano, a parent and Santa Monica resident, said. “It’s scary over here.”

The needle distribution is done weekly by the Venice Family Clinic under the guidance of the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock said the distribution has not stopped, despite multiple objections from city council members. He believes the program is drawing more people with addictions and said the impact is getting worse.

“While we are always compassionate toward those who are unhoused in our city, …