Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
LOS ANGELES TIMES (LT) - FRIDAY August 5, 1988 Edition: Home Edition Section: Metro Page: 3 Pt. 2 Col. 5 Word Count: 380
Amy Stevens; Times Staff Writer
The association's statement puts it at odds with many AIDS service groups, such as the Minority AIDS Project in Los Angeles, which have advocated giving out sanitary drug paraphernalia in an effort to curb an AIDS epidemic among intravenous drug users.
"There is no evidence out there, in America, that says the free distribution of needles will make a dent in the problem," said Dr. Frank E. Staggers, president of the 16,100-member National Medical Assn.
While needle giveaway programs have been tried in Europe, none have been conducted in the United States. Last month, insurance problems stymied a Portland, Ore., social service agency that planned to start the first needle- exchange center in this country.
The medical group's statement came on the last day of its annual convention, held in Los Angeles, at which delegates adopted resolutions on a number of minority health issues.
Staggers said free needles will not necessarily encourage illegal drug use, as some law enforcement officials and other opponents of the programs have argued, but he expressed concern that the giveaways would not effectively control the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
"If you give people free needles, what if the syringe is unclean?" he asked. "If you give them clean 'works' (drug paraphernalia), are you also going to supply a clean drug?"
Calling the association's position "the same as (that of) President Reagan's AIDS Commission," Staggers said needle distribution should be conducted only as part of a wider program, including stepped-up counseling and treatment facilities and provisions for the return of used needles.
"Most local communities just want a quick fix," said Staggers, an Oakland urologist. "There's no quick fix, and we should concentrate out efforts on more fruitful measures."
Phillip Wilson, director of health education at the Minority AIDS Project, said he was "disappointed" by the NMA's announcement.
"We call for adequate detoxification programs for people who are drug users, including . . . the distribution of sanitary needles," he said. "People who are already chemically dependent cannot have the extra burden of HIV infection in their lives."
Copyright © 1988 - Los Angeles Times. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Los Angeles Times, Permissions, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. http://www.latimes.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1988. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1988. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .