NCJ Number
195436
Journal
American Jails Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: May/June 2000 Pages: 13-16
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of needle exchange programs and the potential use of such programs in the correctional environment.
Abstract
The authors provide a broad overview of the features, development, and advantages of Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs). Beginning with a discussion of HIV infection rates, the authors discuss the need for jail administrators to take a proactive approach to rising healthcare costs and containment of bloodborne pathogen infections. The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics reported for 1996 information showing that medical costs make up 11.6 of prison operations costs which is $2.24 billion a year. A discussion of the characteristics of a NEP and the current legal status of the availability of Federal dollars to fund NEPs are provided. The authors identify three benefits of NEPs: 1) a reduction in risk behavior; 2) a reduction in the incidence of HIV and other bloodborne infections; and 3) greater access to drug treatment and other HIV prevention services among program participants. Research supporting the efficacy of such programs is referenced. The arguments against NEPs are presented. A discussion on the role of jails as public health institutions and NEPs as a tool for jail administrators to address the rising cost of prison healthcare concludes the article. 29 notes