Needle-exchange programs draw varied responses on campus
As the debate continues in the N.J. state legislature over a needle-exchange program bill, students on campus are questioning whether to support such a movement.Last night, a presentation here on NEPs aimed to encourage further discussion of the issue and draw support for the programs.The NEPs seek to lessen the health consequences of drug use and slow the spread of HIV by making clean needles available to intravenous drug users.The idea has been met with much resistance in New Jersey, some saying NEPs only encourage drug use and make bad neighborhoods worse.Last night's program featured slides and a short video, both depicting the lives of those who would benefit from the exchange."Our goal is for the state of New Jersey to legalize and implement NEPs," Williams said.Participants of the photo project, run by the Chai Project of New Brunswick, N.J., gave Powerpoint presentations of the photos they took documenting their lives in a drug-troubled neighborhood."The photo project, entitled Photo Voice, allows these users of illicit substances a venue for vocally recording their lives," Williams said.N.J.




