FREE, LEGAL NEEDLES DO MUCH MORE GOOD THAN HARM

We at Prevention Point Pittsburgh would like to respond to the letter
written by Mildred Kebe regarding our provision of clean injection
equipment for IV drug users.

First, we would like to make it very clear that Prevention Point Pittsburgh
is not supported by any taxpayer funds, at the city, county, state or
federal levels. Every penny of our budget comes from private foundations
and individual donations. Second, what the Allegheny County Board of Health
has done is allow us to operate a legal syringe exchange for the purpose of
reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

The board found that a health-care emergency exists in Allegheny County
regarding these diseases, which are most easily spread by the sharing of
needles and other injection equipment. We are sure that the citizens of
Allegheny County would rather see the transmission of these diseases slowed
by the provision of a 70-cent needle than to pay the costs of health care
for those who may end up contracting HIV or hepatitis C.

In Pennsylvania, one must have a prescription to purchase syringes. Our
exchangers come to us to get clean equipment because there is no other
legal way for them to obtain it.

Ms. Kebe raises a point that is not new to us. We do not ask people who
come to our exchange why they want clean needles. In fact, we have provided
syringes to diabetics and will continue to do so if asked. Diabetic people
in Allegheny County who are unable to afford clean syringes have our full
support in their efforts to correct this situation. Everyone deserves
comprehensive health care. The cost of providing clean syringes for
diabetics is considerably less than the costs of treating the conditions
resulting from reusing needles. We hope that Ms. Kebe and others like her
are successful in their endeavor to close this gap in health care.

Laura Horowitz

Prevention Point, Pittsburgh

Board of directors