SB COUNTY EXTENDS NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Action Comes Despite Objections To Program

Santa Barbara - The Board of Supervisors decided to extend a needle
exchange program despite concerns the county was acting as a drug
abuse enabler.

The board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to continue the temporary program for
another six months.

The program, run by the nonprofit Pacific Pride Foundation at little
cost to the county, provides drug users with clean syringes in
exchange for used ones, offers treatment information and counseling.
The program is designed to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis.

Critics of the program, including Supervisor Joni Gray, oppose the
needle exchange on moral grounds.

"I just can't stomach this," Gray said.

Other supervisors agreed, but noted that needle exchanges could help
reduce the number of dirty needles on the street and stop diseases
from spreading.

"Supporting this program is not condoning a behavior that we all have
a problem with," Supervisor Salud Carbajal said. "If we can stop one
child from being stuck, then it's worth it."

County health officials said there was no evidence needle exchanges
promote drug use.