New York: Reaching Crystal Meth Injectors

Last year, the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center distributed 600,000 free clean syringes and collected 550,000 used needles in its mission to prevent blood-borne diseases among injecting drug users. During that time, the center saw more gay and bisexual men who inject crystal methamphetamine visit its Allen Street drop-in site.

The roughly 30 gay or bisexual men who visited in the last year were mostly white, had housing and jobs, were in their mid-30s, and had used crystal for less than a year, said Sam Orlando, the center's vital service care coordinator. "They come and go," "It's very private. They're not interacting with the other clients," he said.

The men Orlando counseled knew enough not to share their needles. But they did not necessarily know that sharing the water used to clean a needle or a dish used to mix the drug could also transmit viruses and bacteria. Three of the men tested HIV-positive while they were clients; Orlando estimated one-third were positive. Less than five of the men were ready to quit using crystal and be referred for treatment, he said. Most wanted to know how to inject safely and not overdose.

Orlando and another staff member have taught proper injection techniques at several gay sex clubs and private parties they knew to be "hot spots."

The center has applied to the state to expand its syringe exchange program waiver, which limits where the exchange can operate, to include the West Village. "As we are doing more outreach, we are bumping into more people," said David Rosenthal, the center's executive director. The West Village community board has been "very supportive" on expanding the waiver.

Founded in 1992, the harm-reduction center has a $1.3 million budget, 21 staff members, and served some 2,500 people in 2004, said Rosenthal.

Back to other news for January 31, 2005