BILL LOOKS AT NEEDLE EXCHANGE

North Carolina could test needle exchange programs as a way of curbing
the spread of HIV/AIDS under legislation in the state Senate. The bill
introduced by Sen. Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe, would let the state
health director authorize up to three pilot programs where intravenous
drug users could exchange used needles for clean ones.

That would reduce their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C
and lessen the risk of drug users passing on the disease to their
sexual partners. "I think it offers us a chance to step up and do the
right thing and begin to attack the spread of AIDS," Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt's bill does not name communities that could take part in the
pilot programs. North Carolina law forbids the exchange programs now,
though some exist through grassroots groups like Needle Exchange
Program of Asheville. "It provides people who are falling through the
cracks of the health system with a way to enter the health system,"
said Michael Harney, coordinator of the program.

Studies have shown that programs providing clean needles to
intravenous drug users can help reduce the number of people infected
with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, as well as lower drug use by exposing
drug users to treatment options, Nesbitt said.

In 2006, there were more than 3,000 new HIV and AIDS infections in
North Carolina and about 140 people were infected with the diseases
through intravenous drug use, according to the North Carolina health
department. Read the bill online at:
www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/Senate/HTML/S917v0.html