Needle exchange: why don't the feds get the point?

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Needle exchange: why don't the feds get the point?

Posit Aware. 1997 Mar/Apr;8(2):36-40. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97702746
Beaubien G; Clearinghouse, AIDS Newsletter Database, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD; 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5714. A fee will apply.

Abstract: There is no doubt that needle-exchange programs can reduce the incidence of HIV and other blood-borne diseases, however, the issue remains contentious and controversial in the United States. At least half of all new HIV infections in the United States can be traced to risky injection drug use. Although needle-exchange programs have been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health NIH), there is no strong movement to fund them or to change the laws prohibiting the possession of equipment used for injecting drugs. The Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), a Chicago experimental research program that is exempt from existing syringe laws, is highlighted. Robert Maginis, a policy analyst for the Washington, DC-based Family Research Council, states that the psychological reasons that people use drugs also need to be addressed. Congressional opponents say that the needle-exchange programs promote the use of dangerous drugs. Needle-exchange programs contact telephone numbers are provided.

Keywords: *Health Policy/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD *HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION *Needle-Exchange Programs/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD *Substance Abuse, Intravenous
971230
M97C1574

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