The New Jersey Family Policy Council submitted testimony today before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee chaired By Senator Bernard Kenny. The Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 494 which would enact six pilot programs in six jurisdictions. The hope is to determine the effectiveness of Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs). “Although the idea of Needle Exchange Programs may sound plausible, the program’s efficacy is dependent upon addicts behaving consistently and dependably,” stated Won Kyu Rim, testifying for Len Deo, President of New Jersey Family Policy Council and a former member of the Governors Advisory Council on AIDS from 1998-2002. “Not surprisingly, the efficacy of these programs has been difficult to evaluate because many studies have relied on the testimony of addicts to determine whether or not they are still sharing needles while participating in the needle exchange,” Rim added.  

“What is often overlooked is the social and family related impact of needle exchange programs,” stated Rim. A ground breaking study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recently released has made some extremely important statements regarding measuring the effectiveness of Needle Exchange establishments. In this key study, the Institute of Medicine, long time supporter of NEPs released the following honest conclusions:

“Existing evidence is insufficient regarding effects on sex-related risks,”

“Evidence regarding the effect on HIV incidence is limited and inconclusive.”

“Less impact on transmission and acquisition of hepatitis C virus than on HIV.”

“Few studies have specifically evaluated whether HIV prevention programs that include needle and syringe exchange lead to unintended consequences.”

With all the issues facing the state, especially the huge budget deficits and massive tax increases just enacted moving ahead with more programs like these is a disservice to the taxpayers of New Jersey. While the goal of reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C is a noble goal, there are other approaches to this problem. New Jersey is choosing to begin these programs just at a time when many municipalities in other states who have also implemented Needle Exchange Programs are questioning the fallout to its citizens in the areas around these facilities and the Institute of Medicine’s report is STARK PROOF that the effectiveness of these programs is suspect. Public policy results take time and we are now beginning to see the failure of these programs. For our Senate to move ahead with this is a disservice to New Jersey,” Rim concluded.

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