Needle Exchange Set for Boston, Cambridge

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Needle Exchange Set for Boston, Cambridge

Boston Globe (10/21/93) P. 38 (Howe, Peter J.)

Following years of opposition from many public officials and neighborhood leaders, the cities of Boston and Cambridge, Mass., will implement a $100,000, year-long pilot needle exchange program to curb the spread of the AIDS virus, announced officials. Vans and walking patrols of officials will trade one free, clean syringe for each used needle turned in. Some public officials objected to the program, fearing that it would condone or encourage drug use. In addition, neighborhood leaders expressed concern that needle exchanges could attract drug users and increase crime in the areas where health officials regularly provide clean needles. Despite these apprehensions, Suffolk District Attorney Ralph C. Martin said, "A needle-exchange program, appropriately regulated and coupled with treatment for the drug-addicted, will save lives." State public health commissioner David I. Mulligan announced that his department will monitor the program carefully and urge drug users to seek treatment. Legislators voted earlier in the year to approve pilot needle exchange programs in any cities willing to host them, and 37 similar programs are being operated across the nation.

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