NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM PROVIDING BENEFITS

CARLSBAD -- Public health officials in Carlsbad believe a syringe
(needle) program at the Eddy County Public Health Office is just a
small tool, but a good tool in reducing the number of cases of
Hepatitis C in drug addicts and the spreading of AIDS.

Anthony Landreth, a nurse and Eddy County Health Office manger
representing the offices in Carlsbad and Artesia, said his office
exchanges on average about 11,000 syringes a month.

Participants in the needle exchange program must sign up with the New
Mexico Department of Health and are ensured confidentiality. They are
given a card with a unique identification number that is good for one
year. The card must be presented every time needles are exchanged.

Landreth said participants also complete a registration survey and
must participate in an education session when they bring in their
syringes for exchange.

Landreth presented his data as a panel member in cooperation with the
Eddy County Community Heath Council. Participating agencies presented
recently countywide data on programs and services provided to the
public in Eddy County.

Chris Minnick, New Mexico Department of Health regional public
information officer, said the state implemented the program 1998.
Since then, statewide, NMDH has exchanged 9 million syringes with a
97 percent return rate.

"The syringes are exchanged on a one-for-one basis with education and
risk reduction services provided at each encounter," Landreth
explained to the commission.