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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom