Pubdate: Mon, 10 Sep 2007
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2007 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Note: Rarely prints LTEs from outside circulation area - requires 
'Letter to the Editor' in subject

YELLOW BOXES

The Central Issue Is Addiction, Not Addicts' Litter

Reviving an initiative first floated two years ago, the  Worcester 
Board of Health plans to deploy several  bright yellow drop-boxes so 
addicts can dispose of used  hypodermic needles responsibly. If the 
initiative helps  to draw attention to the scourge of drug addiction 
and  the continuing spread of AIDS among needle-sharing  addicts, it 
will have served at least a small purpose.

Make no mistake, though: It would be wildly  overoptimistic to 
suggest, as some proponents of  "Operation Yellow Box" do, that the 
program will slow  the spread of AIDS in any significant way or 
reduce measurably the dangerous drug-abuse litter left by  addicts in 
parks and other public places.

The idea, promoted by state health officials and  floated in 
Worcester two years ago, was sidelined by  opposition. Some residents 
complained it would condone  intravenous drug abuse -- although the 
point about sending the wrong message seems moot now that state 
law  permits the over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles  and syringes.

Other residents have expressed doubt that addicts would  even use the 
boxes. Indeed, given the self-destructive  nature of heroin 
addiction, it seems unlikely many  addicts place responsible disposal 
of needles very high  on their priority lists.

Still, Worcester's public health commissioner, Dr.  Leonard J. Morse, 
may be right in saying that the  initiative, funded by a private 
foundation and the  state Department of Public Health, is worth 
trying on a  limited basis. Even if the initiative proves to 
be  largely ineffective, it seems unlikely to do any harm.

That said, policymakers should not think for a moment  that Operation 
Yellow Box can play a significant role  in reducing drug addiction or 
the spread of AIDS among  addicts. That result can be accomplished 
only by making  timely, effective addiction treatment accessible. 
Yellow boxes may call attention to the issue, but they  should not be 
mistaken for a solution to the underlying  ills.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman