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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth