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The Last State Gives In: New Jersey Approves Syringe Exchange
After a tense legislative session New Jersey became the final state in the US to approve access to sterile syringes. The Newark Star-Ledger reported on Dec. 12, 2006 ("Lawmakers OK Clean-Needle Bill") that "After more than a dozen years and countless hours of impassioned debate, the Legislature yesterday passed a bill to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among drug addicts by allowing needle exchange programs in six cities. Gov. Jon Corzine said he would sign the bill into law quickly. 'The science is clear: Needle exchange programs reduce sharing of contaminated needles, reduce transmission of HIV and hepatitis C and serve as gateways to treatment,' Corzine said. For 13 years, lawmakers have wrestled with the legal and moral paradox of giving addicts syringes to use illicit drugs. Opponents questioned scores of scientific studies, the vast majority of which have found that needle exchanges reduce drug users' exposure to AIDS and do not entice more people to use drugs."
According to the Star-Ledger, "'The bottom line is that this program will save lives,' Corzine said. 'I applaud the Legislature for getting it to my desk, and I look forward to signing the bill and seeing the program implemented rapidly.' Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred Jacobs called the vote a 'great day for public health in New Jersey' and praised the inclusion of $10 million for drug treatment services. 'Hopefully we will put this behind us and get on with the issue of saving lives,' Jacobs said. Atlantic City health officer Ron Cash, who came to witness the vote in Trenton, said the city already has passed an ordinance permitting the pilot exchange program -- a requirement of the bill -- and could have a syringe access program operating in three to six months. 'We've tried education, counseling,' Cash said. 'We just want this as a tool to fight the disease.'"
The Star-Ledger noted that "After more than two hours of emotional discussion, the Senate approved the bill ( S494 ) 23-16. Minutes later, the Assembly passed the bill 49-27 with four abstentions. 'The action we are taking today will save lives,' said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts ( D-Camden )."
http://www.csdp.org/news/news/aidsupdate.htm
After a tense legislative session New Jersey became the final state in the US to approve access to sterile syringes. The Newark Star-Ledger reported on Dec. 12, 2006 ("Lawmakers OK Clean-Needle Bill") that "After more than a dozen years and countless hours of impassioned debate, the Legislature yesterday passed a bill to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among drug addicts by allowing needle exchange programs in six cities. Gov. Jon Corzine said he would sign the bill into law quickly. 'The science is clear: Needle exchange programs reduce sharing of contaminated needles, reduce transmission of HIV and hepatitis C and serve as gateways to treatment,' Corzine said. For 13 years, lawmakers have wrestled with the legal and moral paradox of giving addicts syringes to use illicit drugs. Opponents questioned scores of scientific studies, the vast majority of which have found that needle exchanges reduce drug users' exposure to AIDS and do not entice more people to use drugs."
According to the Star-Ledger, "'The bottom line is that this program will save lives,' Corzine said. 'I applaud the Legislature for getting it to my desk, and I look forward to signing the bill and seeing the program implemented rapidly.' Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred Jacobs called the vote a 'great day for public health in New Jersey' and praised the inclusion of $10 million for drug treatment services. 'Hopefully we will put this behind us and get on with the issue of saving lives,' Jacobs said. Atlantic City health officer Ron Cash, who came to witness the vote in Trenton, said the city already has passed an ordinance permitting the pilot exchange program -- a requirement of the bill -- and could have a syringe access program operating in three to six months. 'We've tried education, counseling,' Cash said. 'We just want this as a tool to fight the disease.'"
The Star-Ledger noted that "After more than two hours of emotional discussion, the Senate approved the bill ( S494 ) 23-16. Minutes later, the Assembly passed the bill 49-27 with four abstentions. 'The action we are taking today will save lives,' said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts ( D-Camden )."
http://www.csdp.org/news/news/aidsupdate.htm
