SOME ADDICTS BENEFIT FROM NEEDLE EXCHANGE

I am writing in response to a letter to the editor (Telegram &
Gazette, Jan. 7) regarding the needle exchange survey contracted by
the Henry Lee Willis Community Center.

I was born and raised in Worcester. I spent my adolescence in the
heart of Main South and proudly graduated from South High School and
then from Worcester State College. I hope that any survey looking at
the devastating affects of drug addiction in Worcester will include
my story.

I have many of my own experiences watching many people I loved die
from AIDS as a result of their drug addiction. I have lived with the
people prostituting and add those experiences to my talks with the
parents of the people who are prostituting. I work with drug addicts
in the heart of Worcester every day. I have helped my elementary
schoolmates into detoxification and to obtain HIV testing. That is
why I am a staunch advocate for a needle exchange.

I share the author's concern for people struggling with addiction. I
have dedicated my life to helping people through the process of
recovery and it is my view that needle exchange will help some
individuals who are addicted and give them the opportunity to live a
life of recovery.

The fact is that there are many Worcester residents who support
needle exchange as part of an HIV prevention and substance abuse
treatment plan.

KEESHA LaTULIPPE Southbridge