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120 <br /> February 12,2025 <br /> Dear Orange County Officials, <br /> It is with great enthusiasm that I write in fall support of the Student Health Action Coalition <br /> Syringe Service Program (SHAC SSP) applying to receive Orange County Opioid Settlement <br /> Funds. S SSP is a student-nin organization that provides evidence-based services to people <br /> who use drugs (MUD). This is a community that is often ignored, but the students involved with <br /> SHAC SSP provide judgement-free services, including but not limited to, free harm reduction <br /> supplies, educational information about how to use xylazine and fentanyl test strips, on-the-spot <br /> naloxone trainings,and linkages to other types of care through partnerships with other branches of <br /> SMAC and outside organizations. <br /> SHAC SSP is an ideal organization to receive this funding as they provide direct services to people <br /> living with opioid use disorder(OUD)and other types of substance use disorder( ITIS)and mental <br /> health conditions in general.With locations on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and at the Inter-Faith <br /> Council in Carrboro, S SSP is able to reach some of the most marginalized people in the area, <br /> working particularly close with folks who are experiencing homelessness. S SSP is filling a <br /> need that would otherwise not be filled,and I believe strongly in the work they are doing. <br /> Inter Faith Council for Social Services is the only day center open 365 days a year, serving waryn <br /> meals supplies and community resources and continues to be the only shelter in Orange County. <br /> IFC strives to support through the help of staff,volunteers and community partners such as SAC <br /> SSP individuals facing food and housing insecurities and those dealing with behavioral health <br /> issues. With programs such as S SSP we continue to create a safe place for all those that visit <br /> and reside in the community through a harm reduction approach. By supporting individuals that <br /> participate in substance use with first aid supplies, fresh needles, sharp containers, can, and <br /> education we have managed to see an increase in safe practices and a decrease in elevated <br /> behaviors. Our members look forward to these resources and supplies and ongoing support. In <br /> summation, S SSP provides invaluable resources to the Orange County Community. <br />