STATE STICKS WITH ST. JOHNSBURY NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Despite strong objections from town leaders, the Vermont Department of
Health has decided to allow the Vermont CARES needle exchange program to
remain open in St. Johnsbury. In a letter dated last Thursday to Town
Manager Mike Welch, DOH Commissioner Jan Carney stated she believes Vermont
CARES made efforts to deal with the public and inform residents about the
program, as mandated by Health Department guidelines.

Welch said what Carney used to make those determinations is unclear. "I
would like to know what she used to demonstrate that they exerted effort,"
he said. Carney conceded those efforts did not achieve the intended result
of making town officials and the public more aware of what was planned. "In
addition," stated the letter, "the Department of Health's review of the
application did not go far enough to assure that the advisory group has
engaged the Selectboard and the community as a whole in this process."

Vermont CARES Executive Director Kendall Farrell had not seen the letter
late Monday afternoon. "Our stance hasn't really changed," she said. The
staff, she added, is still doing everything in its power to make the
program a success. Program organizers say providing access to clean
syringes prevents those who might otherwise inject heroin and other drugs
with dirty needles from contracting hepatitis C and HIV. Some community
members have expressed concerns that providing drug addicts with needles
may send a mixed message to young adults.

Efforts made to reach the public since the program started may have made up
for the shortfalls in communication beforehand, Carney wrote. "I believe
your recent efforts, and those of Vermont CARES, have greatly remedied the
communication deficiency evident in this case," she wrote. Carney
recommended that Vermont CARES hold a series of open community meetings for
civic groups and residents. She also recommended the Selectboard send a
delegate to needle exchange community advisory board meetings.