Pubdate: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 Source: Carlsbad Current-Argus (NM) Copyright: 2008 Carlsbad Current-Argus Contact: http://www.currentargus.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2549 Author: Stella Davis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM PROVIDING BENEFITS CARLSBAD -- Public health officials in Carlsbad believe a syringe (needle) program at the Eddy County Public Health Office is just a small tool, but a good tool in reducing the number of cases of Hepatitis C in drug addicts and the spreading of AIDS. Anthony Landreth, a nurse and Eddy County Health Office manger representing the offices in Carlsbad and Artesia, said his office exchanges on average about 11,000 syringes a month. Participants in the needle exchange program must sign up with the New Mexico Department of Health and are ensured confidentiality. They are given a card with a unique identification number that is good for one year. The card must be presented every time needles are exchanged. Landreth said participants also complete a registration survey and must participate in an education session when they bring in their syringes for exchange. Landreth presented his data as a panel member in cooperation with the Eddy County Community Heath Council. Participating agencies presented recently countywide data on programs and services provided to the public in Eddy County. Chris Minnick, New Mexico Department of Health regional public information officer, said the state implemented the program 1998. Since then, statewide, NMDH has exchanged 9 million syringes with a 97 percent return rate. "The syringes are exchanged on a one-for-one basis with education and risk reduction services provided at each encounter," Landreth explained to the commission. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom