Pubdate: Mon, 09 Oct 2006 Source: AM New York (NY) Copyright: 2006 AM New York Contact: http://www.amny.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4301 Author: Tony Newman Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) A GOOD THING FOR NEW YORK As a New Yorker, I am proud and thankful that our city offers needle exchange programs. These programs are a win-win for New York: they reduce HIV infections, and they empower drug users to be active participants in protecting themselves and their loved ones from contracting this deadly disease. The research shows these clean syringe programs do not increase drug use and may actually help people enter into treatment programs. It is a shame that the federal government ignores the scientific evidence and continues to be among the few governments in the world left that do not spend a penny on this life-saving practice. - --Tony Newman, communications director Drug Policy Alliance - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman