The New York Times - Sunday, February 15, 2004
Jim O'Grady

As a result, Dr. Frieden has proposed needle exchange programs in the three areas: Jamaica, the eastern end of the Rockaways, and from Long Island City to Elmhurst.

"There is drug use in these communities," he said, "and it is taking a terrible toll on people's lives."

His task will be challenging. Because it is illegal in New York State to hand out a syringe without a prescription, each program will need a waiver from the state's Department of Health. The AIDS Center of Queens County, a medical and social service agency, is applying for the waivers. But the state can grant them only if the applying agency shows there is local support for the programs. This creates a rare situation in which a community board can rise above its customary advisory role and approve or veto a government program.

"For once, they need our permission," said Jonathan L. Gaska, district manager of Community Board 12 in the Rockaways. "Some of our questions are, 'What are the locations?' and, 'Is there a need?"'

Dr. Frieden has answers for both questions. In the early 90's, he said, when needle exchanges were relatively few, sharing dirty needles accounted for 50 percent of all H.I.V. transmissions. Today they account for 12 percent. The reduction is due in part to greater H.I.V. testing (people who know they have the virus share needles less), but also to the establishment of the exchanges.

As Dr. Frieden envisions the program, an exchange van would visit the neighborhoods at set times, stopping at locations away from schools, churches and commercial strips. "They could work at hours like 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.," he added.

That idea doesn't appeal to Jerry Walsh, who lives near Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City, a potential stop for the program. "The city is trying to redevelop Queensboro Plaza," he said. "It's just been rezoned for business. But who would want to start a business with a needle exchange nearby?"

Dr. Frieden will hold meetings in the next few weeks to discuss just such concerns. "We want to be minimally disruptive to the community," he said. "But we're not going to find some magical place that everyone agrees on. It's a question of dialogue." JIM O'GRADY

040215
NYT040208

Copyright © 2004 - The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved. All New York Times articles contained on the AEGiS web site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of The New York Times Company. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. However, you may download articles (one machine readable copy and one print copy per page) for your personal, noncommercial use only.

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 2004. 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, 2004. 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. .