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A bill to establish permanent
statewide needle-exchange programs (NEPs) awaits review in the New Jersey
Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. The state launched syringe
access sites in 2006 as a pilot program under the Blood-Borne Disease Reduction
Act. Currently Newark, Camden, Jersey City, Trenton, and Paterson host
programs.
A report by the New Jersey
Department of Health and Senior Services says the pilot program has helped curb
the number of used needles in circulation. Data from 2007-09 indicated that
4,482 participants were enrolled, and 998 were receiving drug treatment.
The Newark NEP has served 2,8000
unique clients since its inception, according to Brian McGovern, executive
director of the North Jersey Community Research Initiative. He said the state
would benefit from making NEPs available beyond urban areas.
Roseanne Scotti, New Jersey director
for the Drug Policy Alliance, said it makes “good moral and good financial
sense” for the state to further fund the existing programs and make them
permanent. The bill being proposed appropriates $95,000 toward this effort.
The bill is controversial, however,
and most of Warren and Hunterdon counties’ senators voted against it last
month. “I think it sends the wrong message to society,” Sen. Michael Doherty
(R-Warren/Hunterdon) said. “On the one hand, you’re saying, ‘Drugs are bad,’
then providing needles to facilitate drug use.” Although the programs offer
other services, Doherty said there are other, better means for drug users to
seek treatment.
In January, Gov. Chris Christie
signed a bill that allows pharmacies to sell up to 10 hypodermic syringes
without a prescription to people older than 18.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
