DEFENDING NEEDLE EXCHANGES

What is remarkable about your "Tuesday Takes" editorial criticizing
the Prevention Point Pittsburgh needle exchange program is that you
ignore the well-founded science that needle exchange programs are
based upon (April 4 and TribLIVE.com).

In New York City, where needle exchange is funded by both the State
Department of Health and the City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, HIV infection among injectors has been reduced from 50
percent in 1992 to 15 percent in 2002.

The programs are major conduits for helping people get into drug
treatment. These programs work all over the world. Despite all the
hyperbole, the program also works in Pittsburgh.

Renee Cox of Prevention Point Pittsburgh is correct. If you want to
have a significant impact on public health, it takes an investment.
It is time Pittsburgh invested money into the program. If you do so,
everyone will benefit.

Allan Clear

New York City

The writer is executive director of Harm Reduction Coalition
(harmreduction.org).