In 2024, California’s historic $61 million investment in harm reduction through the California Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative (COPHRI) marked a turning point in how the state supports people who use drugs. Now, that commitment deepens with a third round of COPHRI funding, bringing $4.2 million in additional resources to 14 new partners across the state.
The growth of our collaborative programming with the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS is more than just numbers—it’s a powerful reaffirmation of California’s commitment to a public health approach that centers the dignity and well-being of every Californian. At a time when national pressure is pushing community-based organizations and state leaders to retreat from evidence-based strategies, California is choosing a different path—one grounded in compassion, equity and science.
Meet Our Newest COPHRI Partners
These 14 organizations represent a diverse and powerful coalition of community-based and public health leaders:
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (San Francisco)
Bay Area Community Health (Alameda County)
Blue Hollywood Street Sanctuary (Los Angeles)
County of San Diego (San Diego)
DAP Health (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties)
LA Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Los Angeles)
Melanin Angels (Los Angeles)
One Voice Recovery (Contra Costa County)
Santa Clara County Public Health Department (Santa Clara County)
St. Johns Community Health (San Bernardino County)
The Gubbio Project (San Francisco)
Drug Safe Solano (Solano County)
Venice Family Clinic (Los Angeles)
Wellness Equity Institute (San Bernardino County)
These partners will join our existing 54 community-based providers to deliver high-impact harm reduction services across California, including fatal overdose prevention, syringe access, mental health and substance use disorder care, basic needs services and much more. Notably, four counties previously untouched by COPHRI funding will now benefit from these life-saving initiatives.
Why California Continues to Invest
Harm reduction works. Data from COPHRI’s earlier rounds show that community-based programs are not only effective in reversing overdoses—they also connect people to life-changing care. California Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) supported through the initiative delivered 75% more disease prevention supplies, gave naloxone to 73% more people and were more than two and a half times more likely to be able to offer medication for addiction treatment (an increase from 31% to 85%) compared to SSPs not funded by the initiative.
COPHRI opens doors for people who use drugs to make any positive change in support of their health, safety, and connection to community—and ensures broader access to the highest standard of care. This continued investment sends a clear message: Compassionate, evidence-backed public health strategies are more than just good policy—they’re a moral imperative. We’re proud to lead with integrity and stand alongside communities in advancing dignity, equity and care.
