NEEDLE EXCHANGE HEARING SCHEDULED

The Allegheny County Board of Health has scheduled a public hearing
for 1 p.m. next Tuesday to gather comments on proposed regulations for
a needle exchange program.

The proposal would give the board authority to approve any such
program, designed to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C in
intravenous drug users. A 4-year-old program serving the county is run
by Prevention Point Pittsburgh, which is privately funded.

The hearing will be held at the Health Department's Clack Health
Center, Building 7, 39th Street and Penn Avenue, Lawrenceville.
Speakers must call at least 24 hours ahead to schedule:
412-578-8008.

Written comments may be sent by June 30 to Allegheny County Board of
Health, 3333 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15213; or by e-mail, to
boh@achd.net; or fax, 412-578-8325. The proposal can be obtained by
visiting the department's Web site, www.achd.net or by calling
412-578-8008.