NEEDLE EXCHANGE

We are writing in response to the July 25 editorial "The bigger dope." The
editorial calls into question the effectiveness of funding needle- exchange
programs in order to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV.

While our research shows that sexual behavior is an important risk factor
for HIV infection among drug users, this does not negate the findings from
our other analyses that the needle-exchange program has been effective in
reducing risk of HIV and other blood-borne infections.

In fact, we and other researchers have shown that use of needle- exchange
programs is associated with lower rates of HIV infection and
needle-sharing, greater admissions to drug abuse treatment programs, fewer
discarded needles on the street and a decrease in crime.

Steffanie A. Strathdee

Baltimore

David Vlahov

New York City