CLEAN NEEDLE PROVIDER HOLDING FUNDRAISER SATURDAY

Prevention Point Pittsburgh will celebrate 15 years Saturday with a
fundraiser to promote its mission -- to prevent the spread of HIV and
hepatitis and overdose fatalities as the sole provider of clean
needles to intravenous drug users.

Put the Needle on the Record (II), named as a sequel to last year's
fundraiser, is at the Shadow Lounge, 5972 Baum Blvd., East Liberty,
from 6 to 9 p.m., with a Viper's Soul Club dance party to follow.
Donations in the range of $5 to $20 will be requested at the door to
benefit Prevention Point Pittsburgh.

"Death by overdose is a huge crisis," said Renee Cox, executive
director of Prevention Point Pittsburgh, "more than the combined
total of traffic accident fatalities and homicides in Allegheny County."

"Needle exchange saves lives and prevents the spread of disease,"
said Carrie Hagan, who is chairing the event. "When people come to
PPP, they can get referrals, testing and resources without fear of
being condemned."

The Allegheny County Board of Health and the Allegheny County Council
sanction Prevention Point, which provides treatment assistance,
health counseling, condoms and bleach, case management and crisis
intervention and refers clients for disease testing.