Eustace Bill to Ensure Needle Exchange Continues in NJ Now Law

(TRENTON) – A legislative effort spearheaded by Assemblyman Tim Eustace to ensure needle exchange programs continue statewide is now law.

“Needle exchange programs have effectively reduced the sharing of needles and the spread of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C,” said Eustace (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This new law will allow these critical programs to serve more New Jersey communities.”

According to the 2010 interim report issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services, the municipal needle exchange programs established by the “Bloodborne Disease Harm Reduction Act” reduced HIV risks and increased access to drug treatment and other social services for intravenous drug users without any increase in harmful effects on the rates of crime or syringe disposal. The report indicates that the program holds great promise in preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

The law (A-415) makes permanent the “Bloodborne Disease Harm Reduction Act.” The act established a pilot program that authorized up to six municipalities in the state to operate needle exchange programs. Atlantic City, Camden, Jersey City, Newark and Paterson currently operate such programs.