HIV and Safer Drug Consumption Programs in California

In 2015, California saw over 4,700 new cases of HIV. Nationally, in the same year, California led the nation for HIV transmissions via injection drug use and among men who have sex with men who inject drugs. Other key groups impacted by both epidemics include women, people of color, those who are homeless and youth. Research has found that people who inject drugs from these subgroups are 4-29 times more likely to have an HIV-positive diagnosis. In California, researchers have estimated that a single safe injection site in San Francisco can prevent 3.3 new HIV transmissions per year and would save the State of California roughly $3.5 million per year in expenses related to healthcare, emergency services and crime.