WORCESTER REJECTS NEEDLE EXCHANGE

WORCESTER, - The Worcester City Council has rejected a
needle exchange and drug treatment program. The Telegram and Gazette
reports the council voted 7-4 against the proposal Tuesday night
after a heated debate inside and outside the council chambers.
Proponents say the needle exchange program is designed to reduce the
transmission of HIV and hepatitis among intravenous drug users.
Opponents said needle exchange presents an unnecessary risk to the
public, and sends a wrong message to young people. One opponent said
that needle-exchange programs have not been proven to prevent AIDS,
but that there is plenty of evidence to show it encourages drug use.