Institute of Medicine

Panel on Needle Exchange and Bleach Distribution Programs

National Research Council and Institute of Medicine

This volume addresses the interface of two major national problems: the epidemic of HIV-AIDS and the widespread use of illegal injection drugs. Should communities have the option of giving drug users sterile needles or bleach for cleaning needs in order to reduce the spread of HIV? Does needle distribution worsen the drug problem, as opponents of such programs argue? Do they reduce the spread of other serious diseases, such as hepatitis? Do they result in more used needles being carelessly discarded in the community? The panel takes a critical look at the available data on needle exchange and bleach distribution programs, reaches conclusions about their efficacy, and offers concrete recommendations for public policy to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. The book includes current knowledge about the epidemiologies of HIV/AIDS and injection drug use; characteristics of needle exchange and bleach distribution programs and views on those programs from diverse community groups; and a discussion of laws designed to control possession of needles, their impact on needle sharing among injection drug users, and their implications for needle exchange programs.

The Role of Sterile Needles and Bleach

Preventing HIV Transmission

Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

This book reports on research on and experience with needle exchange and bleach distribution programs and their effects on rates of drug use, the behavior of injection drug users, and the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases among injection drug users. It discusses U.S. needle exchange data, international evaluations of needle exchange programs, legal issues and drug paraphernalia laws, evaluation methods, and bleach distribution programs.

Panel on Needle Exchange and Bleach Distribution Programs

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