Tuesday, July 31, 2007
TRENTON, N.J., Jul. 31, 2007 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- Intravenous drug users will be able to get clean needles in four New Jersey cities under an experimental program approved Tuesday to try to slow the spread of HIV and AIDS.
The needle exchange pilot program approved for Atlantic City, Camden, Newark and Paterson will end New Jersey's status as the only state without a legal way for drug users to get clean syringes.
The state Legislature approved a pilot program last year that allows up to six cities to establish needle exchanges for three years.
The four cities approved by the state Department of Health and Senior Services can begin operating their programs as soon as Sept. 1, but must be operating by Dec. 1.
'Needle exchange is a proven public health intervention that will reduce the spread of HIV and save lives,' said Fred M. Jacobs, the state health and senior services commissioner.
Each city will be required to report whether the program has helped cut the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases.
New Jersey had 66,886 HIV and AIDS cases as of June 2006, the latest state health department figures show. Of those, 43 percent were attributed to needle drug use, about twice the national average and the second highest rate in the nation behind Connecticut.
Six other cities eligible for the program have until Aug. 24 to apply.
Proponents say research proves that providing addicts with clean needles drastically cuts the spread of HIV and AIDS through shared needles, but opponents say needle exchange programs promote drug use and attract area drug users to places where needles are given out.
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