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I support needle exchange programs; I feel that they provide the opportunity to keep users safe, if they are going to remain using. They also provide supplies to make injecting sanitary, referrals for drug treatment options, references to methadone clinics, HIV programs, peer education, and building relationships. NEPs also keep the dirty needles off the streets and away from areas where people can get injured by them. A NEP strives to provide the best outcome for their patients. These programs can offer testing for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, and tuberculosis. Some programs even give vaccinations for hepatitis A and B and tetanus. The program also strives to promote safety and cleanliness by giving out condoms and hygiene packages, as well as kits for bleaching needles and for treating abscesses. They also help reduce transmission of infectious diseases, decrease sharing of needles, and greatly lower the costs of healthcare.

Needle exchange programs have also contributed to a tremendous decrease in users sharing needles. Even though some users may still share needles, the rates of those that don't due to NEPs has proven to dramatically increase which benefits their health greatly. Needle exchange programs are also much more cost effective, and help to decrease the cost of healthcare. NEPs help to prevent the spread of HIV transmission and the risk factors that come with injection use. NEPs prevent HIV infections among injecting drug users, their partners, and family members at a cost much less than the lifetime cost of treating a person living with HIV/AIDS which is much greater. This shows that needle exchange programs alone can not only reduce the costs associated with dirty needles, but also help save lives as well.

Overall I am for needle exchange programs and believe they are a good idea. I feel that if a user is going to keep injecting, at least it provides the opportunity for them to be safe. They help reduce the transmission of HIV and other diseases, which will also help lower the costs of healthcare for that user. NEPs also help keep the streets clean and provide users with more sanitary conditions by providing clean materials each time. They also encourage the building of strong relationships and provide peer education. Lastly they help decrease users from sharing needles, and they provide referrals for drug treatment options and help getting into methadone clinics as well.

Learn more about this author, Maribeth Woods.
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