NEEDLE PROGRAM LIKELY TO GET FUNDS

Amid a rash of cuts in social spending, San Mateo County is poised to
start funding just one new program, a needle exchange credited with
staving off infection and transmission of HIV and hepatitis C.

Homelessness, hunger and unemployment are on the rise in the county,
and there's less money to combat them, supervisors heard from
department heads Monday, the first day of budget hearings scheduled
through Wednesday. County leaders approved cuts in funding for public
health nurses, infant wellness programs and support for the mentally
ill.

The $1.2 billion 2002-03 budget has to balance a growing need for
government support on the Peninsula with resources bludgeoned by
recession and the fallout from the Sept. 11 attacks.

But needle exchange probably will get $180,000 in new annual funding,
pending a final vote Wednesday. Without it, a private program serving
thousands of addicts each year in East Palo Alto and Redwood City
would have to shut down, said Dr. Scott Morrow, county health officer.

Needle exchange has been studied in the area by law enforcement and
public health officials, who found that it prevents 12 to 25 new cases
of HIV and hepatitis C infection each year.

So far, at least three of five supervisors -- Rose Jacobs Gibson, Mike
Nevin and Rich Gordon -- have said they will support a county takeover
of the needle exchange program, long funded and directed by non-profit
agencies. Those agencies say staving off deadly diseases is a public
health duty that the county should help pay for.

Supervisors making tough choices this week on social services spending
agreed Monday, saying an end to needle exchange is an option they
don't want to consider.

"All of the evidence we have is that this has a huge impact, that it
can save lives and reduce our costs in health care," Gordon said.

If You're Interested

San Mateo County budget hearings continue through Wednesday, beginning
at 9 a.m. in the supervisors' chambers at 400 County Center in Redwood
City.