Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jul 2016
Source: Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348
Author: John R. Quinn

NEEDLE EXCHANGE ISSUES

EDITOR: The public relations and health departments of the county 
would like us to believe that the needle exchange program is in the 
best interests of all concerned. If this is an exchange program, why 
are there used needles all over the area, especially in industrial 
parks where the homeless tend to congregate?

It's because it isn't a true exchange program that requires any 
degree of responsibility on the part of the user. And because there 
are no controls in place, the health and well-being of the general 
public is at risk.

I realize that, in theory, programs of this nature should benefit 
society in general, but some consideration has to be given to the 
non-using public so that children, pets and family members aren't at 
risk from an accidental sticking by a contaminated needle that has 
been disposed of irresponsibly.

Our well-being has to be part of the program.

JOHN R. QUINN

Petaluma
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom