Pubdate: Thu, 15 Oct 1998
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 1998 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Pete Lister
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

BETTER TO PAY FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE THAN FOR HOSPICE CARE

May I introduce a little pragmatism to the subject of needle exchange?

I know many in our community view this as a moral issue, believing that 
society is simply aiding and abetting the addicted. However, when you look 
at the alternatives, this is the only logical course of action.

I would rather subsidize an immoral habit than pay the tremendous cost of 
caring for that addict after he or she becomes infected.

The cost of treating AIDS or hepatitis drains resources that could well be 
spent in other, more constructive, areas. How much money could be better 
spent for education or health care for poor families if we didn't have to 
treat preventable terminal illnesses for addicts?

This issue is not about supporting a habit. It's about deflecting the 
tremendous financial burden that we all have to shoulder, partly as a 
result of well-intentioned, albeit shortsighted, moral judgments.

I would rather pay pennies for needles than millions of dollars for years 
of hospice.

Pete Lister

Milwaukee