NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Re: "Get out of the way of needle exchange" (editorial, June 23).

On behalf of the 2,400 people living with HIV in Camden, Gloucester,
Burlington and Salem counties, we'd like to thank you for your
editorial on supporting Harm Reduction and Syringe Exchange in Camden
and Atlantic cities.

Your support has been validated by numerous public health
organizations, city governments and law enforcement agencies all over
the United States.

All the evidence clearly points to reduced infection rates and no
increase in drug abuse. In fact, this type of program has functioned
as a gateway into drug treatment for those who are addicted.

Why an injunction was issued to prevent implementation of this program
when New Jersey is one of the last two states in the nation without
such a program and, at the same time, ranks fifth overall and first
among women with HIV defies all logic.

Such a distinction should make us all tell our legislators to support
syringe exchange and abandon any argument that is not supported by
data.

ARTHUR H. DION

President

AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey