A Needle Exchange Controversy Essay Research Paper — страница 3

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they were not (Bowdy 27). The National Institute of Health claims that needle exchange programs reduce their clients’ rate of performing dangerous injections as much as 80 percent (Fuller 11). From 1991 to 1996 New York City’s rate of drug related HIV cases dropped from 44 to 28 percent (Schoofs 36). Organizations nationwide such as the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Public Health Association have begun to openly support needle exchange programs (Fuller 11). Donna E. Shalala, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, was asked to investigate the validity of needle exchange programs as a whole. She concluded, “needle exchange programs can be an effective part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence of

HIV transmission and do not and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs” (Bowdy 28). Needle exchange programs encourage the participation of addicts in their program usually by giving out more equipment than is received (Loconte 20). We can not ignore the possibility that addicts are really motivated to participate in the programs because the extra equipment received from the program could easily be sold to attain their next bag of dope (Loconte 20). This will not do the addict any good but it could possibly keep someone from being victimized to support such a habit. It should be understood that needle exchange programs are not really concerned with the IV drug users’ reasons behind taking advantage of the services regularly, so long as they do just that, take advantage of

the services regularly. America can no longer ignore the ominous consequences of its drug abusers and their addiction. HIV has infringed our society in conjunction with the relentless forces of addiction for which there is no cure. The perilous habits of a drug addict, especially an IV drug user, are geared toward getting high (Loconte 15), not personal health and public safety. However, habitual behavior is not inalterable. It can be swayed by a little incitement from the brighter, more intelligent members of society; incitement to support and make regular use of local needle exchange programs. Although American society may not understand the driving force behind heroin addiction, we all must understand that it”will always be with us ?[so] we had better learn how to live with

[its] ?in a way that minimizes [its] ?adverse health and social consequences” (Drucker 15) Bibliography !!!Guaranteed ‘A’ or your money back!!! *Completely safe and confidential. Shipped Immediately. **For all 10 bibliographical references to this 9 page paper, send a $14.00 check or money order along with your email address to 1812 Teaberry Avenue, Williamstown NJ 08094. ***For a complete set of note cards and bibliographical references for this entire paper, send a $19.00 check or money order along with your email address to 1812 Teaberry Avenue, Williamstown NJ 08094. * * *Add $5.00 if you would rather have a hard copy of these materials (snail)mailed to you.