Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jan 1999
Source: United Press International
Copyright: 1999 United Press International

WORCESTER REJECTS NEEDLE EXCHANGE

WORCESTER, - The Worcester City Council has rejected a
needle exchange and drug treatment program. The Telegram and Gazette
reports the  council voted 7-4 against the proposal Tuesday night
after a heated debate inside and outside the council chambers.
Proponents say the needle exchange  program is designed to reduce the
transmission of HIV and hepatitis among  intravenous drug users.
Opponents said needle exchange presents an unnecessary  risk to the
public, and sends a wrong message to young people. One opponent  said
that needle-exchange programs have not been proven to prevent AIDS,
but  that there is plenty of evidence to show it encourages drug use.
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