Pubdate: Sat, 25 Dec 2004
Source: High Point Enterprise (NC)
Copyright: 2004 High Point Enterprise
Contact:  http://www.hpe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/576
Author:  Lance Benzel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

COALITION TO TARGET PREVENTION

A new coalition of public health advocates is seeking to promote
"pragmatic working solutions" to problems of drug use and disease among
the state's disadvantaged communities.

The N.C. Harm Reduction Coalition will aim to influence legislators
and public health workers across the state to help improve strategies
used to fight drug addiction, sexually transmitted diseases and other
afflictions, said co-chairman Eddie White of Thomasville.

"I won't say they're taking the wrong approach, but I think we should
be able to show them some more innovative approaches," said White, who
also serves as pastor at Mt. Sinai Faith, Hope and Love Ministries on
N.C. 64 in Thomasville.

White said those approaches should incorporate the idea of "harm
reduction," which encourages drug users, prostitutes and others to
take protective measures when engaging in activities with health risks.

That includes regular use of condoms and clean needles, among other
precautions.

The fledgling group consists of 50 members representing 25
organizations across the state, according to materials from Thelma
Wright, who serves as the other co-chairwoman.

The documents list several proposed policy goals:

Support for increased funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program,
which provides lifesaving medication for those living with AIDS or
HIV.

North Carolina consistently ranks last in the country for access to
the program.

Housing for active drug users, allowing users to stabilize their
lives, maintain employment and successfully enter drug treatment programs.

Syringe exchange programs in which intravenous drug users may exchange
used needles for new ones.

Similar programs in other states have proven to reduce HIV, Hepatitis
C and other blood-borne diseases and are supported by the American
Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and both
President Bush's and President Clinton's AIDS Advisory Commissions.

State drug paraphernalia laws make such programs illegal in North
Carolina.

White said the group will focus on swaying the "movers and shakers"
across the state in an attempt to improve public health service delivery.

Participants also seek to enlist support from churches, which can be
instrumental in distributing aid, according to White.

"There's a lot left to learn - we still have a lot of clergy who need
to learn some compassion," White said. "The fact is, people love to
look down people and condemn them. We don't need that kind of
condemnation."

The group currently is seeking nonprofit status so that fund-raising
efforts can begin.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin