? New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine (D-NJ) is looking to needle exchange programs to stop the spread of diseases, like AIDS and hepatitis, from shared needle use.
Governor Corzine says he will urge the legislature to pass a law that would allow intravenous drug users to turn in dirty needles in return for clean ones. Dave Kerr, the director of Newark rehab clinic Integrity House, says it?s time New Jersey started a needle exchange program. However, Kerr admits many non-intravenous drug users might be tempted to switch over with access to clean needles.
Former heroin addict Edwin Gaines says the program would send a mixed message by providing needles for illegal drug use.