First on Flag Family: City of Fargo halts controversial component of syringe program

FARGO, N.D.– The City of Fargo says the Syringe Service Program is undergoing some changes – specifically regarding distribution of certain materials.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Syringe Services Program element involving distribution of glass bulb pipes is being suspended due to potential concerns with interpretation of the current state law,” the City said in a statement released to Flag Family News.

According to the City of Fargo, in February 2025, distribution of glass bulb pipes was added to the program as a way to reduce overdose deaths from drug use by means other than injection. The program was funded by opioid settlement funds.”

Since implementing the safer smoking supplies program in February, engagement has skyrocketed.

“98% increase in enrollment, a 47% increase in visits, a 34% increase of unique individuals served as well as 38% more lives saved,” Robyn Litke Sall, Prevention Coordinator for Fargo Cass Public Health, told our partners at Valley News Live.

But the program faces criticism. Sall defends the approach.

“What they need to understand is by doing this it’s making our community safer,” said Litke Sall. “It is reducing disease, it is saving lives, it’s saving tax payer dollars.

The program operates under North Dakota state law and is funded entirely by federal opioid grants – no local tax money is used.

But this isn’t a simple handout. People must engage with harm reduction staff to receive supplies.

“It’s not just walking in and getting a pipe it’s not like me going to Walmart picking out a pack of gum going to the self checkout and leaving they have to engage with us,” said Litke Sall.

The center has distributed 4,952 pipes across more than 7,000 visits.

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