CRITICISM OF NEEDLE EXCHANGE INACCURATE

Roland Foster's Feb. 25 letter criticizing the Hawai'i syringe- exchange
program is inaccurate and unfortunate.

The Department of Health collects data from persons who seek HIV testing
from the department and affiliated community-based organizations. The
percentage of positive tests among drug injectors has been declining over
the last decade, and was zero in 2001. This clearly indicates a low rate of
new HIV infections.

The number of syringes exchanged by the program increased from 219,218 in
2000 to 347,793 in 2001. This was not because a large number of new
injectors suddenly came into the program. New injectors tend to be in their
late teens or early 20s, while the exchange participants have an average
age of over 40.

With its comprehensive HIV prevention programs for drug users - including
drug treatment, community outreach and syringe exchange - Hawai'i is a
model for other states and for the many countries throughout the world
where HIV is spreading among drug users.

Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York