Deal With Addicts

CONGRESS SHOULD HELP CITIES COPE WITH HIV THROUGH NEEDLE SWAPS

Until Congress makes the common-sense decision to lift a ban on
federal funding for needle-exchange programs that target intravenous
drug users, U.S. policy on AIDS prevention will be mired in hypocrisy.

President Bush's signature this week on a spending package included
permission for Washington, D.C., to spend local funds to provide drug
addicts with clean hypodermic needles. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the
city's congressional delegate, said the nine-year ban contributed to
the capital's soaring AIDS rate -- higher than any other major city
in the country. More than 20 percent of Washington's AIDS cases are
traced to intravenous drug users.

By virtue of the city's creation, the nation's capital remains at the
behest of Congress. But the more important question is: Why is any
local government denied federal funds to stop a critical health
threat in modern times?

Needle exchange for people committed to illegal behavior is a
necessary though distasteful reality. Fear that free clean needles
encourage addicts must be checked against the documented rise in HIV
infections traced back to sharing dirty needles.

Data show that many addicts first learn of their HIV status or are
convinced to get involved in substance abuse counseling as a result
of encounters at needle-exchange vans.

It's worth noting these programs also cut down on transmission of
other diseases such as hepatitis.

Since February Wilmington's pilot needle exchange has served more
than 140 clients and distributed more than 1,700 clean needles.

Even Wilmington Police Chief Michael Szczerba, an opponent of the
program, is able to commend the Wilmington staff for doing a careful
and thorough job serving this population.

It's time that the federal government makes good on its barking about
AIDS prevention and secures the opportunity for all of its citizens to do so.