Comment from Anonymous

I am submitting comments regarding CDC’s proposed revision of the National Survey of Syringe Services Programs, Docket No. CDC-2026-0859. I am a person who has practiced and worked in harm reduction for over 25 years. Over these 25+ years I have worked at syringe service programs. The required services and documentation has changed many times. There are many ways that people and programs deliver SSP services, fixed sites, mobile units, on foot, within a healthcare setting. There should be a way to distinguish between them. The survey must clearly state how they will de-identify programs and protect privacy from politically vulnerable programs. Questioning "community opposition" should be redefined as how do/does ordinances, restrictions, law enforcement interfere with service provision. SSPs offer a wide variety of services that go well beyond working with individuals who solely inject drugs. The survey should measure the full range of harm reduction services provided. The survey should be revised by individuals that work at and receive services at harm reduction/SSP programs. Staff and program participants know the full range of care they provide and receive. Just as the landscape we live and operate in changes daily so does the drug supply, the basic need requests, the access to available care. Individuals far removed from the day to day operations and lives of those working at and getting care at SSPs may not fully understand the service. Often times SSPs and harm reductions are misunderstood and the focus remains on the physical items we distribute NOT the scope of services, connection and care we provide. A non-biased survey revision can NOT be guaranteed if influenced by those who do not believe in or are trying to shut down harm reduction and SSPs. Only the people working in the SSPs and the people using the programs know what is important to capture and what will show a full picture for others to review.