Pubdate: Sun, 30 Mar 2008
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2008 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n000/a022.html
Author: Robert F. Deuell

NEEDLE SWAP PROGRAMS BENEFICIAL

Re: "Addict needle swap is stuck in red tape -- Project  to prevent 
spread of disease legal only in Bexar, yet  isn't," Monday news story.

I enjoyed your recent news story regarding Bill Day, a  73-year-old
San Antonio minister who was arrested for  giving drug addicts clean
needles. While I do not  condone breaking the law, I believe this
highlights the  folly of this law.

With Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, I authored a bill  during the last
legislative session that would have  permitted needle exchange
programs throughout Texas.  This bill passed the Senate by a 24-7
vote, but was  stopped in the House by a chair who would not allow her
  committee to vote on it. The pilot program for Bexar  County did
pass, though it is now on hold pending an  attorney general's opinion.

People who use intravenous drugs already suffer and  cause pain to
those who care about them. When they  spread HIV or Hepatitis B and C
through the use of  dirty needles, they are greatly increasing this
suffering. Medical reports indicate needle exchange  programs are
valuable tools in reducing the spread of  these diseases.

Some claim that providing clean needles will encourage  drug use.
However, numerous studies from a variety of  entities, including the
U.S. Surgeon General, indicate  that there is no increase in drug use
from these  programs and some even point to a decrease.

Mr. Day is not a threat to public health and safety.  The real threat
comes from the spread of HIV and  Hepatitis B and C. Texas should
recognize this and join  the rest of the nation in permitting needle
exchange  programs.

State Sen. Robert F. Deuell, District 2, Greenville
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