Since its inception in 2018, the Fargo Cass Public Health Syringe Services Program (SSP) has been a pivotal component in the city’s public health strategy. The program’s primary objectives are disease prevention and overdose reduction, achieved through the provision of sterile syringes, testing services, and referrals to treatment programs.
Program Achievements
Over the past eight years, the SSP has distributed more than 3 million syringes to participants. In 2025 alone, nearly half a million syringes were provided, with an additional 150,000 distributed in the first five months of 2026. These efforts have contributed to a significant 69% decline in hepatitis C cases in Cass County since the program’s launch.
Comprehensive Services
Beyond syringe distribution, the SSP offers a range of services, including testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections. The program also provides naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. In 2025, naloxone provided by the SSP was used to save 569 lives, bringing the total to 2,828 lives saved since 2018.
Community Impact
The SSP’s holistic approach extends to referrals for substance use disorder treatment, behavioral and mental health services, and housing resources. By addressing the multifaceted needs of its participants, the program not only reduces the spread of infectious diseases but also fosters a healthier community overall.
Fargo’s commitment to harm reduction through the SSP underscores the city’s dedication to public health and safety. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a vital resource for individuals and the community at large.