Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
Source: Union-News (MA)
Copyright: 2001 Union-News
Contact:  http://www.masslive.com/news/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/860
Author: Peter Goonan

OFFICIAL VOWS TO FIGHT FOR NEEDLE PLAN

SPRINGFIELD   -   A state senator whose legislation opened the door for 
needle exchange programs in four communities in Massachusetts, said last 
night he will continue his fight to expand the program intended to reduce 
the spread of AIDS.

State Sen. James P. Jajuga, D-Methuen, took part in a community forum last 
night in the Sixteen Acres section of the city titled "Does Springfield 
Need Needle Exchange?" Jajuga, in response, said the program, in which 
clean needles are given to drug addicts in exchange for used needles, is 
needed to save lives and has proven successful in the pilot communities of 
Northampton, Boston, Cambridge and Provincetown.

Approximately 40 people attended the forum held at the Foster Memorial 
Church. It was sponsored by the Springfield Alliance for Needle Exchange 
and various organizations and agencies. The audience included numerous 
community activists and advocates for the needle program.

Opponents of the needle exchange program said they are not convinced that 
it reduces the spread of AIDS, and many said they support other strategies 
including education, outreach and increased drug treatment.

Jajuga, who filed bills to start pilot programs in the state, said people 
have known about AIDS for 20 years. "How much longer to we have to talk 
about this?" Jajuga said. "Twenty years is enough."

Jajuga said he believes misinformation has caused the program to be 
rejected by Springfield and other communities. He recently re-filed a bill 
that will allow the state to mandate the program when deemed necessary, but 
with community advisory committees.

One panel member, Jay Griffin of Northern Educational Services, said it is 
a "great mistake" to mandate the program.

"There should be total community involvement," Griffin said. "It would be a 
great mistake to mandate it and not allow the community to discuss it."

The other three panel members selected by the sponsors joined Jajuga in 
urging Springfield to support the needle program. They were Robert Heimer 
of the Yale University School of Public Health, Peter Fisher of the Pioneer 
Valley Hepatitis C Action Project, and Dr. Ann Morris, an infectious 
disease physician in Springfield.

Heimer said some people oppose needle exchanges on the belief it sends the 
wrong message or encourages drug use. Studies show the program is 
successful, and denying it to drug abusers is similar to not taking an 
injured motorist to the emergency room who is under the influence of 
alcohol, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart