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Of all the prevention strategies, past, present, and future, needle exchange will remain the most controversial. ... The needle exchange program is often not fully understood, reduces the chance of being infected with many blood-borne diseases, and the objections can all be combated with benefits.
To begin with, the needle exchange program is not always fully understood. These are not needle give-away programs. They do not distribute hypodermis needles, but provide an opportunity for individuals to exchange dirty needles they have been using in a one-to-one ratio for an equal number of sterile ones. ... And the exchange sites do much more than just trade needles. ...
Equally important as the actual exchange of syringes is the opportunity for outreach workers to provide participants with updated information and referrals regarding medical and social services in the community related to both drug treatment and HIV medical care and support services. ... programs consider human contact a critical aspect of the exchange, with education and referrals to health care and recovery programs being offered at every encounter. “Exchange requires interaction with experienced staff members, who can offer counseling at the time of the exchange. Thus the programs provide the first step toward rehabilitation and, eventually, the possibility of a drug-free existence” (Needle Exchange Saves Lives, 1998). In this way an exchange program can help the drug user and lay to rest some of the community’s fears at the same time.
Approximate Word count = 1197
Approximate Pages = 4.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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