Delaware Senate Approves Wilmington Needle Exchange Program

On Thursday, the Delaware Senate overwhelmingly approved a needle-exchange program designed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases among Wilmington injection drug users. Supporters say the law is necessary to stem the diseases' spread, particularly in the black community, which comprises 20 percent of the state's population but more than two-thirds of Delaware's AIDS cases.

"It's about saving the lives of people," said Sen. Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington), the bill's sponsor. Although several senators expressed concern about encouraging illegal drug use, only one, Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover), voted against the bill.

While the Wilmington police department has not supported the needle-exchange program, George Meldrum, co-chairperson of a health advisory group to Mayor James Baker, said heroin abuse "really is a health issue. It's gotten bigger than just a matter of law and order."

The legislation calls for the state Division of Public Health to operate a five-year pilot program using a mobile needle-exchange unit. The program would cost an estimated $300,000 per year. Drug users would receive free needles and syringes and referrals to drug counseling and treatment services. Program participants would be exempt from prosecution for possessing needles and other program-related drug paraphernalia but could still be charged with the use or distribution of drugs.

Project directors would collect data on the number of people exchanging needles and participating in HIV testing. ID cards would be issued to participants, whose information would remain confidential unless they brought up their participation as subject matter or legal defense in a court or administrative proceeding.

Back to other news for June 11, 2004