Hearing planned regarding proposed changes to state’s syringe exchange program

A hearing is planned for Wednesday that will give members of the public a chance to express their opinions about proposed changes to the California Department of Public Health’s Syringe Exchange Program.

CDPH recently proposed changes involving the program that would prevent cities and counties from passing local ordinances blocking the program from operating, though the state department contends that the law doesn’t give jurisdictions the power to do so.

Last year, the Yuba-sutter area was considered for a syringe exchange site. However, local governments passed ordinances banning such a program from operating within their jurisdictions.

The state department says that a previously enacted law gave them new authority to grant authorization of syringe exchange program sites, though a law that was already on the books gave the ability to local governments to authorize program sites. The latest proposal is an attempt to clear up the language in the conflicting laws by removing “local ordinances” from the regulations — the department says some community groups applying for authorization with the state are under the mistaken impression they must first receive

A pinwheel breathing exercise video, hosted by Sutter County Child Development Behavior Specialist Jennifer Ybarra, is available to demonstrate how parents can use pinwheels to help their child work through

times when they are upset

-- view the video at https://bit. LY/3UAISDK.

“Make a pinwheel and breathe with your children,” it was stated in the release. “Teach them an important lesson about what breathing does and how the pinwheel can help.”

According to Collier, planting virtual pinwheels on social media has also become a popular trend to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month.

As a local shelter and service provider, Casa de Esperanza provides protection and education for victims of

domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking in Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties. The shelter also serves as a safe haven for victims to escape violent situations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or

human trafficking, call Casa de Esperanza at 647-2040. A trained counselor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers advocate services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-7997233.