Pubdate: Sat, 05 Nov 2005
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2005 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Mark Casanova
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1720/a02.html?140367

HELP ADDICTS SAVE LIVES

Re "Addicts Learn to Save Others From Death," Oct. 31

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Jonathan Fielding's 
recommendation for a naloxone distribution program should be 
commended. Putting naloxone into the hands of addicts and training 
them how to use it is long overdue.

Harm-reduction programs such as needle exchanges save lives every day 
by reducing rates of HIV, hepatitis and penicillin-resistant staph 
infections. By adding naloxone and training addicts to save lives, 
the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services can reduce the 
rising rate of deaths from drug overdoses.

Mark Casanova

Executive Director

Homeless Health Care Los Angeles
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MAP posted-by: Beth