NEEDLE EXCHANGE BILL STALLED IN HOUSE

A bill creating a needle exchange program for Texas drug users appears
dead this legislative session because a leading House member said she
won't bring the Senate-passed bill to a vote.

Texas is the only state in the country that does not allow a needle
exchange program for drug users. The legislation would allow health
departments to start needle programs.

Sen. Bob Deuell, a Greenville Republican and a family physician, said
he introduced the Senate bill to save lives and money. He said he once
believed providing sterile needles and syringes encourages drug
addicts but said he changed his mind after viewing medical data.

Studies show that "needle exchange programs do not increase drug use
and may actually decrease it," Deuell says. "I would also call your
attention to the significant impact needle exchange programs can have
on reducing HIV and Hepatitis C rates."

In fact, he says, "The National Institutes of Health estimates that
needle exchange programs reduce HIV transmission rates by about 30
percent."

But one House member isn't convinced.

"I have not been persuaded that the public health benefits outweigh
the concerns of many members, myself included, of providing needles
for those that are using illegal drugs," said Rep. Dianne White
Delisi, a Temple Republican who chairs the House Public Health Committee.

Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, the House sponsor of the
bill, said she believes it would have passed the House committee if
put to a vote.

"It's a sad day in the state of Texas that we do not have the
opportunity in this Legislature to save lives," McClendon said.

Delisi's committee had a hearing Monday. McClendon said no one
testified against the bill.

The Senate last month voted 22-7 for the measure.

Interaction with health workers in a needle program can help drug
users seek treatment, said Tracey Hayes, who follows the issue for the
American Civil Liberties Union.

"Needle exchange gives addicts the choice to live, and a way to take a
first responsible step for themselves and their loved ones," Hayes
said.