SUPES NARROWLY APPROVE CLEAN-NEEDLE PROGRAM

A pilot project that would allow illegal drug users to buy clean needles
from local pharmacies has won narrow support from the Solano County Board
of Supervisors.

By a 3-2 vote, supervisors agreed Tuesday that the public health benefit of
possibly reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and
hepatitis, outweighed the negative perception that local government might
be condoning illegal drug use.

Supervisors Mike Reagan and John Silva, District 2-Benicia, voted against
the program.

Supervisors Barbara Kondylis, District 1-Vallejo, John Vasquez and Duane
Kromm voted in favor.

"Folks that are addicted are not thinking straight about most things," said
Kromm. "If we're lucky, we can get (drug users) safer and healthier."

The Solano County vote works within the framework of state legislation that
allows new innovations in public health strategies. The program could run
locally until 2010.

A top medical official with the Partnership Health Plan said Tuesday that
the World Health Organization considers needle-sale programs a "fundamental
component" of HIV-prevention strategies.

Local pharmacies, such as area Walgreens, Longs Drugs and Ralph's
supermarkets, have expressed interest in participating in the program,
county health officials said.

Proponents argue that illegal drug users would be less inclined to use and
share possibly septic needles if they're available in a sanitary way from
local drug stores.

Under the program, as many as 10 hypodermic needles could be sold to those
18 or older without a prescription.

Reagan criticized the program as one that is "feel good" rather than a drug
treatment strategy.

Information about drug treatments might be passed to those buying needles
from pharmacies, but no treatments would be required under the program, he
said.

"We're extending a fig leaf," Reagan said, adding that the policy is a
"wink, wink" at the serious problem of drug addiction.

Kondylis said that the program would be worthwhile if it prevented the
spread of HIV to just one person, considering the cost of treating the
often lethal disease.

She added that treatment would at least be encouraged by putting together
drug users and those in the medical profession who could help.

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink," she said.
"We can at least take care of the leading the horse to water part.'"