Pubdate: Mon, 11 Mar 2002
Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2002 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Contact:  http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195
Author: Vincent Fernandez

NEEDLE-EXCHANGE CRITIC IS MISSING THE POINT

Regarding the Feb. 25 letter from Roland Foster in Washington, D.C., on the 
needle-exchange program in Hawai'i: There are two words Foster should learn 
and understand: harm reduction.

Of course, I realize that as a bureaucrat in D.C., Foster's first reaction 
to any social problems or their solutions is most likely "show me the 
numbers." But maybe he should be shown the people and what they are up 
against as marginalized members of our society and our local communities as 
well.

And by the way, Mr. Foster, Hawai'i does indeed do HIV surveillance, which 
it began last August.

Do your homework, sir.

Vincent Fernandez
Treatment advocate, Life Foundation
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart