The Fargo Cass Public Health Syringe Services Program has distributed over 3 million syringes since its inception in 2018, emerging as a central issue in the city’s mayoral election. According to Holly Scott, public information officer for Fargo Cass Public Health, the program aims to prevent disease and overdose through testing, supplies, referrals to treatment, and naloxone distribution to reduce the spread of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.
Since 2018, the program has distributed 3,187,800 syringes. In 2025 alone, 497,491 syringes were provided to participants, and from January 1 through May 15, 2026, 150,016 syringes were distributed. The program also distributes safer-use kits for rectal drug administration, which Scott explained includes four syringes without needles, two mixing cups, two sterile water vials, and two lubricant packages. From February 15, 2024, through May 15, 2026, 710 of these kits were distributed; 98 were provided between January 1 and May 15, 2026.
Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness
The program has achieved measurable public health outcomes. Hepatitis C cases in Cass County declined by 69% since the program opened in February 2018 through 2025. Naloxone provided through the program saved 569 lives in 2025, and 2,828 lives from April 2018 to April 2026. The program also made significant referrals: 3,293 for HIV, hepatitis C, and STD screening; 940 for substance use disorder treatment; 368 for behavioral and mental health services; and 109 for housing navigation resources. According to Scott, syringe programs provide substantial savings, with every $1 spent translating to $7.48 saved in healthcare costs.
Political Divide
The program has become divisive ahead of the June 9 mayoral election. Fargo City Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and Dave Piepkorn oppose it, with Turnberg calling it “not a core city service” and Piepkorn stating it would be “ended” if he were elected, citing concerns about drug needles in downtown areas. Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack supports continuing the program, citing national data showing its effectiveness in connecting people with resources. State Senator Josh Boschee emphasized that the program “keeps people alive” despite concerns about enablement.
The program receives funding from multiple sources: State Opioid Response grant funding, local Opioid Settlement Funds, and Counseling, Testing and Referral grants. The city’s general fund does not cover program costs.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.valleynewslive.com/2026/05/20/fargo-needle-program-distributed-31-million-syringes-since-2018-710-boofing-kits-since-2024/