Under a new policy, mobile syringe services are not allowed within 1,000 feet of any public or private K-12 school in Multnomah County.
The Safer Schools Zones ordinance takes effect on August 24, 2026. It will be enforced in response to public complaints.
If you see mobile syringe services operating near a school, you can report it.
Syringe programs are a proven public health service that provide people with free, sterile syringes to prevent disease and protect health. A syringe program can be mobile or happen at a fixed location. How syringe programs work
Syringe programs are legally allowed and protected by Oregon law. In Multnomah County, mobile services are only allowed 1,000 feet away from schools.
Who It Applies To
Mobile syringe services that do not operate from a building or fixed location.
It does not apply to:
- Syringe services that operate from a building or fixed location
- Mobile syringe services by a licensed health professional for patient treatment (a health system’s mobile clinic)
- Mobile distribution of naloxone or wound care supplies
- Outreach activity of referrals to services and treatment
There’s an exception if a syringe program’s regular building location is temporarily inaccessible. To get an exception, you must apply for a waiver that allows you to operate a temporary mobile site nearby.
Contact us to apply for, or learn about any approved active waivers.
Report a Problem
You can make a complaint starting August 24, 2026.
To report syringe services happening near a school, we need to know:
- The specific location (cross streets, landmarks, map coordinates from your phone)
- Date and time
- Description of what you saw
- Name of the program, group or person, if known
- Any time-stamped photos or video, if available
Report syringe service activity near a school
If we have enough information to take action, we will send the provider a letter. We'll notify them about the complaint, provide education and direct them to stop.
If they make repeated violations, the county may elevate its enforcement actions.
Find Safe School Zones
You can use this interactive map to find the 1,000-foot boundary around any K-12 school. See safe school zone boundaries on a map
If You Find Used Syringes
How to safely pick up used syringes and where to dispose of them
Check Before You Operate Near a School
A mobile syringe service must be located at least 1,000 feet from any K-12 public or private school.
Before you set up a mobile service:
- Make sure you are outside the safe school zone
- Plan to safely gather and dispose of all exchanged needles
- Connect with neighbors to help create safe spaces for schoolchildren
- Let neighbors know how to contact you if there are problems
Contact us if you have questions about how to comply with this ordinance.