Twenty-five years ago, the first cases of AIDS were first reported. In the early years of the epidemic, little was known about the disease. At first, it appeared restricted to the gay community. The disease did not just strike gay men. It spread to men, women and children. It destroyed a person's immune system. It was fatal. There was and is -- no cure.

Today, thousands of people live full lives with HIV, which can develop into AIDS. While researchers have not found a vaccine to immunize against AIDS, new drugs have given affected people a chance for a full life. While we cannot yet cure AIDS, we can slow the spread of the disease. The best way is through education. But education is not enough. New Jersey is one of only two states that does not permit the exchange of clean syringes without prescriptions. This must change.

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