The West Hollywood City Council unanimously directed staff to evaluate the expansion of harm reduction tools as part of the 2025-2028 social services contract cycle Request for Proposals (RFP). Initiated by Councilmembers Danny Hang and John M. Erickson, the directive aims to enhance the city’s harm reduction strategies through new technologies like DEFENT ONE fentanyl detection devices and harm reduction vending machines, aligning with West Hollywood’s commitment to public health and safety.
The staff report, presented by Human Services Supervisor Derek Murray, outlined the RFP process, which allocates nearly $7 million to 29 programs addressing healthcare, mental health, and food services. The 2025-2028 cycle, launching April 25, 2025, with proposals due June 5, will prioritize health, wellness, homeless services, and advocacy, informed by community outreach and advisory board input. Murray noted the process will expand to a broader applicant pool, ensuring transparency through public hearings and Human Services Commission reviews, with final recommendations to the council on August 18, 2025.
The harm reduction directive focuses on tools like DEFENT ONE, a portable all-in-one fentanyl detection device, and vending machines dispensing free supplies such as Narcan and test strips. The staff report highlighted existing efforts—naloxone distribution, needle exchange programs, and HIV testing—while noting peer cities like Los Angeles and Palm Springs have explored similar technologies. Public commenter Meghana Nallajerla, a USC social work and doctoral student, supported the initiative, stating, “I’m here today to speak in support of agenda item F5. I’d like to thank Council Member Hang for his work on this item, and I’d like to urge the council to consider expanding harm reduction tools available in West Hollywood. As a social worker in training, I understand and empathize with the importance of harm reduction efforts to support our vulnerable communities. And as a doctoral student, I also understand what the research shows. Harm reduction saves lives. It’s been proven to reduce death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. The city of West Hollywood has already taken incredible steps to make harm reduction tools available to its residents, but there are new technologies available, like all-in-one detection kits, and new substances that require our attention. Peer cities such as Palm Springs and the city of LA have been exploring similar tools, and I hope West Hollywood can do so as well.” Joe Green, co-chair of the LA County Commission on HIV, also endorsed the vending machines, citing their potential impact during the 2028 Olympics in a Pride City.
Councilmember Lauren Meister expressed concerns about vending machines dispensing syringes near parks, referencing issues in Santa Monica with needles in public spaces. “We have to think carefully about where they would be located and what kind of monitoring would be there,” she said. Erickson emphasized the need for harm reduction in accessible locations, noting, “The more that we can do, in invisible spots, although it might be uncomfortable, that’s where people go.” The council also discussed the RFP process, with Heilman and Meister advocating for a community needs survey to better identify household-specific service gaps, prioritizing nonprofits over for-profits, and separating educational grants from social services.
The directive integrates harm reduction into the RFP, ensuring West Hollywood’s social services evolve to meet community needs. By combining these efforts, the city aims to strengthen its support for vulnerable populations, continuing its legacy of innovative public health initiatives.
