If approved, a bill recently introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives would authorize and fund needle-exchange programs to be created and piloted by three counties. Already, the health boards of Guilford and Buncombe counties have expressed support for House Bill 411, which would allocate $500,000 each year for the next two years for the county needle-exchange programs. The bill would also grant program volunteers and clients immunity from prosecution under drug paraphernalia laws.

"If a number of counties seem to sign off on it, that may give the bill a little more impetus to move," said Rep. Maggie Jeffus (D-Guilford), a co-sponsor of the bill, which is languishing in the House Appropriations Committee. The bill could be included in the budget that the House is preparing over the next few weeks.

Both Guilford and Buncombe counties are considered top candidates for participation in such a pilot program, since private groups already operate needle-exchange programs in both areas. On May 16, Guilford County's board of health voted 8-1 to support such a program. Testifying in favor were Sheriff B.J. Barnes; John Campbell, an infectious-disease doctor with Moses Cone Health System; and a criminal-defense attorney. Board member Ray Coble was not persuaded by statistics put forward by exchange proponents.

If Guilford is chosen, its county commissioners and director of mental health must also approve the board's measure before it goes to the capitol.

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