March 24th, 2025
The Honorable Mia Bonta
Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 309 (Zbur)
Dear Chair,
The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 309 (Zbur), legislation that would allow a physician or pharmacist to continue providing hypodermic needles and syringes to individuals 18 years or older without a prescription or permit.
CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy. As CAYEN champions the mental health and well-being of TAY, it is essential to address the specific challenges faced by youth in recovery from substance use disorders.
Youth who use substances requiring hypodermic needles face numerous challenges and should not be further harmed while working towards recovery. Access to clean syringes is a proven harm reduction strategy that prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, ultimately improving public health and safety.[1] The distribution of safe and clean needles and syringes ensures that youth in recovery can stay safer and healthier, even if they face setbacks.
This bill is a critical step toward reducing preventable harm and protecting community health. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 309 (Zbur) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.
Sincerely,
Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Syringe Services Programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.