Needle exchange programs at risk of closure as state funding dries up

Needle exchange programs in Minnesota, including those run by Harm Reduction Sisters, face funding cuts as the state's HIV Prevention grant ends. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified grantees in June 2026 that federal funding is unavailable, shifting to state funds but leaving programs at risk. Multiple organizations, including Southside Harm Reduction Services and Rural AIDS Action Network, report uncertainty about continued support.