Pubdate: Sat, 21 Feb 1998
Source: Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Author:  John Sanko Rocky Mountain News Capitol Bureau
Contact:  http://insidedenver.com/news/

NEEDLE EXCHANGE HEADED TO HOUSE WITH SENATE'S OK

Denver and other cities should be able to launch needle exchange programs
for drug addicts to slow the spread of AIDS, the state Senate said Friday.

But the decision didn't come easily. There was bitter debate before
lawmakers approved the legislation by a 20-15 vote.

Opponents argued it would encourage drug use and send the wrong message to
young people. They noted that most police chiefs oppose the idea. The bill
will come up for a final vote Monday before it faces a tougher reception in
the House.

"It is a public health issue," said Sen. Dottie Wham, R-Denver. "This is
one of the most difficult issues I've ever been involved in. But the
reality we live in is that people use drugs."

Denver wants to launch a needle exchange program. In Boulder, one is
already under way--illegally.

Local authorities have declined to intervene because of their belief that
the program is useful

The bill requires prior approval from the state health department before
cities or counties could enact a program. No tax dollars could be used, and
the programs would have to provide counseling and anti-drug treatment.

"This bill does not legalize drugs in any way," Wham said. "If you are
carrying drugs when you go to a needle exchange, you will be arrested."

But the argument didn't convince Sens. Ken Arnold R-Westminster, a former
Colorado State Patrol officer, and Jim Congrove, R-Wheat Ridge, a former
undercover drug officer.

"This is sending the wrong message to our youngsters and everybody else in
our society, saying, 'We don't want you to do it and, yet, here's a clean
needle. Go out, and shoot up,'" Arnold said.

"Why not just give the needles to drug dealers? That way we don't have to
have the center to distribute them. We can give the needle to the drug
dealer, and he can give it along with each fix that he sells. The problem
is not the dirty needles. The problem is heroin, and it's a moral problem
within our society."

Congrove, a former Jefferson County law enforcement officer, called it a
really bad idea.

For more information, call/write:
People Engaged in Education and Reduction Strategies (PEERS) 2701 Alcott
St. #263 Denver, CO 80203 phone: (303) 455-2472 fax: (303) 455-2548