YELLOW BOXES

The Central Issue Is Addiction, Not Addicts' Litter

Reviving an initiative first floated two years ago, the Worcester
Board of Health plans to deploy several bright yellow drop-boxes so
addicts can dispose of used hypodermic needles responsibly. If the
initiative helps to draw attention to the scourge of drug addiction
and the continuing spread of AIDS among needle-sharing addicts, it
will have served at least a small purpose.

Make no mistake, though: It would be wildly overoptimistic to
suggest, as some proponents of "Operation Yellow Box" do, that the
program will slow the spread of AIDS in any significant way or
reduce measurably the dangerous drug-abuse litter left by addicts in
parks and other public places.

The idea, promoted by state health officials and floated in
Worcester two years ago, was sidelined by opposition. Some residents
complained it would condone intravenous drug abuse -- although the
point about sending the wrong message seems moot now that state
law permits the over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles and syringes.

Other residents have expressed doubt that addicts would even use the
boxes. Indeed, given the self-destructive nature of heroin
addiction, it seems unlikely many addicts place responsible disposal
of needles very high on their priority lists.

Still, Worcester's public health commissioner, Dr. Leonard J. Morse,
may be right in saying that the initiative, funded by a private
foundation and the state Department of Public Health, is worth
trying on a limited basis. Even if the initiative proves to
be largely ineffective, it seems unlikely to do any harm.

That said, policymakers should not think for a moment that Operation
Yellow Box can play a significant role in reducing drug addiction or
the spread of AIDS among addicts. That result can be accomplished
only by making timely, effective addiction treatment accessible.
Yellow boxes may call attention to the issue, but they should not be
mistaken for a solution to the underlying ills.