From the NEWARK STAR LEDGER:
New Jersey was so wary about promoting drug abuse that it was the last in the country to allow access to clean needles.
Now, more than three years later, those fears appear to have been unfounded. The independent evaluation commissioned by the state health department found needle exchange programs in five pilot cities, including Atlantic City, were successful.
The report found providing free, clean needles reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases and increases access to drug treatment without increasing crime. The report shows nearly 1,000 of the 4,482 program participants enrolled in drug treatment, while 65 others found permanent housing…
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