Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 17, 2008
The board voted 3-2 on Tuesday to approve a pilot, one-year program that will include substance abuse counseling and free medical care.
The supervisors, who have rejected similar proposals in the past, acknowledged concerns about illegal drug use, but said the county needs to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Volunteers with the Fresno Needle Exchange have been operating informally for more than a decade, handing out up to 8,000 clean hypodermic needles each Saturday in exchange for dirty ones.
The new program now will be housed in a support center where clean needles can be dispensed legally.
081217
AP081248
Copyright © 2008 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
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, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. 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, 2008. 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. .