"Needle Program Is a Small One to Test Concept"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Needle Program Is a Small One to Test Concept"

New York Times (11/08/88), P. B5
Altman, Lawrence K.

The free needle exchange program for intravenous drug users that began Monday in New York City is a pilot program designed to determine whether a larger-scale study is feasible. While the present experiment will likely shed some light on whether a needle exchange program is an effective way to stop the spread of AIDS among intravenous drug users, its main purpose is to see whether drug addicts will show up to take part in the program. If the present program attracts enough volunteers who regularly exchange used needles for clean ones and enter treatment centers when vacancies occur, says Don Des Jarlais, who is a consultant to the city's program, then officials will consider a larger study. Des Jarlais said other important considerations include community support for the program and participants' willingness to modify high risk sexual and drug behavior. The New York study will involve 400 IV drug users in New York, or less than one-tenth of 1 percent of drug users, said Dr. Stephen Joseph, New York City Health Commissioner.
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