Source: The Herald; Everett, WA Contact: Date: May 30, 1997 An excellent lte from an addict. NEEDLE EXCHANGE It saves lives Recently I was living at a recovery house for drugs and alcohol here in Everett. I got the opportunity to sit in on a Needle Exchange Informational Group, which was an excellent presentation. However, I was disturbed by the fact that needle exchange here is not funded enough by our officials. Apparently they do not believe that some people of Snohomish County have a very real drug problem. So why the concern? Being in recovery I am acutely aware of the drug activity on the streets of Everett. And even though drug use is taboo, it is reality. Not only drug use, but also the spread of diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C, due to sharing needles. These too are reality. No matter how people would like to close their eyes to this, it is very present in our community. Those who choose to close their eyes to this are only kidding themselves if they believe they won't be affected by it, in one way or another. I firmly believe that not being concerned about the spread of disease in this manner puts Snohomish County at a much higher risk than those counties who make a true effort to control the spread of disease by educating not only our drug users but also people who do not use. If people have to witness stands on our street corners for exchange of needles and educating our people, so be it. Perhaps it will open some eyes and save some lives. Jackie Duboise Everett