NCJ Number
121153
Journal
AIDS Education and Prevention Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 340-345
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The needle exchange pilot program in New York City is one element in a spectrum of drug prevention and treatment approaches being used to slow the spread of HIV.
Abstract
The program aims to promote understanding of the addict behaviors that help spread HIV, including whether needle exchange can help reduce the frequency of the behaviors or eliminate them. So far its main value to clients lies in the drug counseling and the referrals to treatment that it provides. Its main problem is that it operates only at one site, resulting in limits on the ability to enroll more clients. In addition, its location is too far from the neighborhoods where intravenous drug use is high and too near to court and police buildings. Nevertheless, it has proven its ability to help change and save the lives of intravenous drug users, their sex partners, and their children. It should be expanded and considered for adoption by other communities according to their needs and as one small part of an array of prevention and treatment efforts. 5 references. (Author abstract modified)