Needle exchanges are sound

In his March 12 letter to the editor, Don Brockett stated that the Spokane County Health District’s syringe-exchange program enables injection drug users. In fact, extensive evidence, including eight federally commissioned studies, shows that the presence of a syringe-exchange program does not increase the use of illegal drugs among participants, and that effective programs actually increase the numbers of injection drug users referred to and retained in substance use treatment.

The issues of addiction, and HIV and hepatitis transmission related to injection drug use, remain serious public health challenges. Scientific research continues to define the unique role that syringe exchange can play as part of a well-designed, comprehensive prevention strategy.

Brockett also stated that possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal. Possession of sterile paraphernalia is legal and has been for some years.

Brockett said, too, that providing syringe exchange teaches addicts there are no consequences to their use. The primary focus of a needle exchange is harm reduction, which is an evidence-based and nonjudgmental approach to reducing the consequences of drug use. It accepts the reality of drug use in society, and minimizes consequences by providing several options, from teaching safer drug use strategies to abstinence.

Lynn Everson

Spokane