Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The San Francisco Chronicle - Monday, August 16, 1999
"Each year 8,000 Californians are infected with HIV, and injection drug use is the second leading cause of those infections," says Regina Aragon, public policy director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
About 25 percent of new infections are directly or indirectly related to intravenous drug use. Dirty needles are the main source of AIDS infection in heterosexuals, females and newborn babies.
In a practical response to a deadly public health problem, Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni, D-San Rafael, has authored a measure (AB518) to allow local governments to authorize needle exchange programs.
The bill would amend current state law, which bans distribution or possession of hypodermic needles without a prescription.
Besides helping to keep tainted needles off the streets, exchange programs are an inex pensive way of reaching drug addicts at a cost of 10 cents per syringe. The cost of lifetime treatment for an AIDS patient is estimated at nearly $120,000.
San Francisco has been in the forefront of needle exchanges, distributing about 2.1 million syringes a year, and it works. The program, which has operated legally since 1993 under a local health emergency, has been praised as a model by the federal Centers for Disease Control.
Even the federal government, which refuses to fund such programs, concedes needle exchanges dramatically reduce AIDS transmissions and do not encourage illegal drug use.
The Mazzoni bill does not mandate needle exchanges, but it would allow California cities and counties to establish them if they choose to.
AB518 has already passed in the Assembly and now faces a vote in the Senate. It is a humane, sensible and life-saving measure that deserves an aye vote in the Senate and the signature of Governor Davis.
990816
SC990802
Copyright © 1999 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.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 1999. 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, 1999. 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. .