Pubdate: Thu, 15 Apr 2010
Source: Denver Daily News (CO)
Copyright: 2010 Denver Daily News
Contact:  http://www.thedenverdailynews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4274
Author: Gene Davis, DDN Staff Writer
Referenced: Senate Bill 189 http://mapinc.org/url/1De3UJXq
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

NEEDLE EXCHANGE MEASURE MOVES

But Would Bill Reduce Disease or Subsidize Drug Use?

A bill that would allow drug users to legally exchange dirty needles 
for clean ones passed out of a Senate committee yesterday on a bipartisan vote.

Supporters of Senate Bill 189 believe allowing needle exchange 
programs in Colorado could reduce the spread of blood-borne diseases 
like HIV and Hepatitis C. Under current state law, public health 
officials can collect used syringes but aren't allowed to give any 
needles back in return.

Some Senate Republicans are calling the bill a distraction from more 
important issues and an unnecessary subsidization of drug users.

"Dirty needles are an occupational hazard for drug users, sure, but 
so are laced drugs and gun fights," said a statement from Senate 
Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction. "Does (bill sponsor 
Sen. Pat) Steadman think we should buy heroin and bullet proof 
jackets for druggies, too?"

For his part, Steadman pointed out that Colorado is among the 
minority of states that don't permit a needle exchange program. There 
are 211 programs in 92 cities in 32 states across the country that 
legally exchange dirty needles for clean ones.

"Colorado is behind the curve on this," Steadman said. "The 
overwhelming input from public health experts is that these programs 
are proven, effective and safe."

Some Republicans, however, remain unconvinced of the bill's merits. 
Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, lamented the fact that the bill 
doesn't explicitly bar the use of public funds for needle exchange 
programs. He argued that taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill 
for a program he believes enables drug users.

But Steadman said it's significantly cheaper for taxpayers to pay for 
clean needles than it is for them to foot the bill for the expensive 
medical treatments that uninsured drug users need if they contract a 
disease like HIV.

SB 189 passed on a 5-2 vote out of the Senate Health and Human 
Services committee. One Republican, Sen. Shawn Mitchell of 
Broomfield, joined four Democrats in supporting the bill.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Steadman is 
"very optimistic" about the bill's passage into law. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake