Needle Exchange to Prevent AIDS

Congratulations on “Needle Programs Are Needed” (editorial, July 8). As a member of the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Commission of L.A. County I attended a symposium on needle exchange programs six years ago. A statement made by one of the presenters was mind-boggling: “Every time you hand out a needle you may be saving a life.” It’s true. Each day, babies are born infected with HIV because of contaminated needles.

SB 885 will be heard in the Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday. Although Gov. Pete Wilson has vetoed the last three bills, perhaps the new evidence as endorsed by the American Medical Assn. and the U.S. Conference of Mayors will cause him to revisit the issue. The proof is in: Needle exchanges save lives. Needle exchanges build a bridge to treatment, help prevent HIV transmission and do not increase drug abuse.

MIMI WEST

Beverly Hills

* Needle programs are not needed. Keeping drug addicts slaves to their addiction does not help them, our communities or nation. Individuals can only be successful, productive members of society when they are independent and free from drug addiction.

MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH

Supervisor, L.A. County