California: Needle-Exchange Issue Goes to Panel

The top medical official in Riverside, Calif., declared an unofficial state of health emergency Tuesday in the county, warning that the number of reported cases of hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS has skyrocketed in recent years. Riverside County Health Director Gary Feldman told the county Board of Supervisors that police officers, nurses, doctors and residents are in danger of contracting an infectious disease and that a needle exchange program is a proven way to stop escalating infection rates. Since 1995, reported cases of hepatitis B have increased by 49 percent in Riverside, and the area's AIDS rate is higher than that in the state or nation, he said.

California's AB 138 allows cities and counties to permit needle exchange programs if elected officials declare a local health crisis. However, Tuesday's declaration of a health emergency does not allow the needle exchange program to go forward because it was not formally passed by the Board of Supervisors.

The board voted 4-1 Tuesday to convene a committee to discuss the issue and the proposed needle exchange program with health and public safety workers. The program has drawn controversy and debate across the county. Supervisors stopped short of declaring a formal health emergency, saying they needed more information. The board is expected to revisit the needle exchange issue in 60 days.

Members of Inland AIDS Project, which serves a 22,000 square mile area of Southern California, want to operate the needle exchange from a van that they can drive to different locations. They would exchange one clean syringe for one dirty syringe, offer health and treatment referrals as well as HIV testing. Almost the entire audience stood in support when asked by IAP's John Salley who present favored the program. Doctors, nurses and health advocates from Ventura, San Diego and Riverside spoke in support of the proposal. The district attorney's office and Sheriff-elect Bob Doyle oppose the program. Most law enforcement officials and prosecutors have strongly rejected the proposal, stating that the needle exchanges perpetuate criminal activity.

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