INJUNCTION PUTS STOP TO NEEDLE EXCHANGE

TRENTON - An Appellate Division panel of judges has put the brakes on
needle-exchange programs authorized by an executive order signed by
former Gov. Jim McGreevey last year in the waning days of his administration.

Judge Stephen Skillman signed an order last week granting a
preliminary injunction sought by seven members of the state legislature.

Those legislators, including Sens. Ronald L Rice, D-Newark, and
Thomas H. Kean, Jr, R-Westfield, oppose needle-exchange programs. The
injunction ordered the Department of Health and Senior Services to
"withdraw approvals granted for needle-exchange programs pending
resolution of this litigation."

Atlantic City and Camden have been approved to start needle-exchange
programs under the exective order. McGreevey's order cited a public
health emergency. The sharing of scarce needles among addicts has
been documented as a leading transmission source of HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS, and hepatitis C.

The Assembly has passed a pair of bills permitting needle-exchange
programs and over-the-counter pharmacy sales of syringes to adults,
but companion bills in the Senate Health Committee have been stalled
since last fall.

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio, R-Montville, haied the injunction.
"These programs do not reduce the spread of disease, and they only
encourage drug addicts to continue this self-destructive behavior."

The Department of Health and Senior Services is being represented by
the Department of Law and Public Safety. "We are reviewing the
court's order and are reviewing our appellate options," LPS spokesman
Lee Moore said.

"I will be in touch with all appropriate state officials encouraging
to pursue all possible appeals," said Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts
Jr., D-Camden. "If there were ever an issue that was a life-and-death
issue, this is it. Other states have been able to tackle this
problem. It's disgraceful that New Jersey hasn't been able to confront it."