ALLOWING NEEDLE SALES MAKES PUBLIC HEALTH SENSE

When it comes to public health, some of the simplest solutions can
meet the stiffest of opposition for myriad reasons. Such is the case
with the idea of allowing pharmacies to sell clean hypodermic needles
to anyone 18 and older.

The opposition sees that idea as encouraging drug use, while ignoring
the huge public health benefits the program would provide in
preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and
Hepatitis C among injection drug users.

Fortunately, thanks to a law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last
September, counties in the state can pass resolutions that approve
behind-the-counter sales of syringes.

Last week, Alameda County joined Contra Costa County as one of five
counties in the state to approve the sale of needles to stem the
spread of disease.

While we agree treatment of drug abuse is the ultimate prevention, the
reality is that our counties are the home to thousands and thousands
of intravenous drug users. They accelerate the spread of HIV and other
diseases through the sharing of dirty needles.

For these chronic users a clean needle can be more difficult to obtain
than the drug of their choice.

Public health statistics attribute anywhere from one quarter to one
third of all HIV infections to the sharing of dirty needles. In
Alameda County, public health officials say that 26,000 of the 36,000

Hepatitis C infected residents in the county have been exposed through
needle-sharing for injection drug use.

The obvious strain on public health resources and taxpayer funds
because of dirty needles is obvious. Most drug users who become
infected have no insurance, much less a job, and end up in our county
hospitals and public health institutions.

Not only will this simple action prevent disease and death, it also
will save the taxpaying public money by reducing the number of those
infected and need heath care.

Licensed pharmacists will be able to sell 10 or fewer needles at any
one time without a prescription. Those pharmacists must register with
local health officials and provide information to buyers -- written or
verbal -- on how to properly dispose of needles and how to seek drug
treatment programs.

Alameda and Contra Costa counties should be commended for passing such
resolutions, and also for recognizing the immediate and real benefit
this will provide for public health.