New Jersey: Gormley to Co-Sponsor State Needle-Exchange Program

A bill permitting over-the-counter sales of hypodermic needles and allowing for state-regulated needle exchange programs will be introduced with bipartisan support when the New Jersey Senate returns for the start of its lame-duck session Nov. 24.

Co-sponsoring the legislation is state Sen. Bill Gormley (R-Atlantic), who said he previously opposed needle exchange programs because they condone drug use. "I'd prefer an alternative, but I don't know of an alternative," said Gormley. "It's a serious health issue that has to be addressed. It's time we addressed it."

At a Statehouse press conference Tuesday, members of the Drug Policy Alliance, a national group that lobbies for changes in drug laws, presented state Department of Health statistics showing that 46 percent of HIV infections in New Jersey are related to shared needles, compared to a national average of 25 percent. The group also released a report from Donald Scarry, principal economist with New Jersey Economics, stating the state would save $227,000 in medical costs for each AIDS case avoided as a result of access to clean needles, which cost 10 cents each.

The new legislation, to be introduced by Gormley, Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) and Sen. Robert Singer (R-Ocean), will not cost the state a penny, according to its sponsors. It would permit pharmacies to sell needles without a prescription and allow for privately funded needle exchange programs to set up according to Department of Health guidelines, with the approval of local municipalities.

The City Councils of Camden, Newark and Jersey City all have passed unanimous resolutions in support of a state Assembly bill sponsored by Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) that legalizes the sale of hypodermic needles and allows municipalities to make needle exchange a part of its HIV-prevention programs. Atlantic City Council will consider a similar resolution.

Back to other news for November 24, 2003