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Stop needle exchanges

“I know that ultimately the addiction is my choice,” says a 44-year old woman from Spokane. “But I had to survive. It’s so hard.” When I read this, I was sickened to know that our money is supporting her choice for narcotic use.

In Spokane County, the death rate from prescription drug overdoses is 12.8 per 100,000 people, according to health records. Controversial programs are standing up against this issue. Promoting needle exchanges for enabling drug use is not the example we want to set for the next generation. Our priorities need to be on other programs. It is only as difficult as we make it.

If the addictions are decreased, fewer people will be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and less money is spent. Dr. Joel McCullough says that fighting HIV/AIDS is a multisector effort. The effort we put in is only as strong as the outcome we get out.

Anna Mattingly

Spokane

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