TI   "Free Needles a Sticking Point in Neighborhood"
 AU   Copeland, Larry
 SO   Philadelphia Inquirer (12/28/93) P. B1
 AB   Concerned about morality and respect, residents in a Philadelphia
      neighborhood want a clean needle exchange program removed, but health
      officials refuse to budge.  The program was implemented in an effort
      to curb the spread of AIDS in the city.  Each Saturday, a van
      operated by a Public Health Department contractor pulls up to the
      corner of Kensington Avenue and Cumberland Street, where it dispenses
      some 3,000 clean syringes to intravenous drug users. But, insists
      Assistant Philadelphia Health Commissioner Mark Bencivengo, "This is
      much, much more than just a needle exchange."  He adds that the van
      also offers condoms, educational material, medical information and
      services, and testing for tuberculosis.  Nevertheless, the van has
      become a controversial subject.  Neighborhood residents want the van
      moved several blocks away, where there is less opportunity for
      children to find used needles.  They note that the current exchange
      site is within five blocks of four schools, and recount finding and
      collecting pails of discarded needles.  Residents also claim that the
      needle exchange draws more drug addicts to their area, and merchants
      say the users are having an unfavorable effect on their businesses.
      Health authorities, however, claim that relocating the program would
      reduce the effectiveness of the program.  Moving the van even a short
      distance could mean losing some of the people who use it, which
      defeats the purpose of the program, explains Bencivengo.

      Copyright (c) 1993 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD.  This
      information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control &
      Prevention (CDC), National AIDS Clearinghouse as a public service. 
      Non-profit reproduction is encouraged.

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