NO HELP FOR NEEDLE-EXCHANGE LEGISLATION

AUSTIN -- A bill creating a needle-exchange program for drug users
appears dead this session.

House Public Health Chairwoman Dianne White Delisi, R-Temple, said
Wednesday that she won't bring the Senate-passed bill to a vote.

"I have not been persuaded that the public health benefits outweigh
the concerns of many members, myself included, of providing needles
for those that are using illegal drugs," she said.

Texas is the only state in the country that does not allow a
needle-exchange program for drug users.

The House sponsor of the bill said she believes it would have passed
the committee if put to a vote. "It's a sad day in the state of Texas
that we do not have the opportunity in this Legislature to save
lives," said Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio.

A clean-needle program could cut HIV infections by 30 percent and
reduce hepatitis C, said McClendon. Delisi's committee had a hearing
Monday. McClendon said no one testified against the bill.

The Senate last month voted 22-7 for the measure, which would allow
health departments to start needle programs.

Sen. Bob Deuell, a family physician, said he introduced Senate Bill
308 to save lives and money. He said he once believed that providing
sterile needles and syringes encourages drug addicts but changed his
mind after viewing medical studies showing exchange programs do not
increase use.

The interaction with health workers actually can help users seek
treatment, said Tracey Hayes, who follows the issue for the American
Civil Liberties Union.

"Needle exchange gives addicts the choice to live, and a way to take a
first responsible step for themselves and their loved ones," Hayes
said.