SAN ANTONIO – Among the proposed bills that will be considered during the current session of the Texas Legislature is a measure that would allow intravenous drug users to legally exchange dirty needles for clean ones.
Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon of San Antonio has filed a bill that would create pilot programs in Bexar and six other counties that would legalize clean syringe distribution to intravenous drug users in exchange for dirty needles.
"That's how I got Hepatitis C, through using a dirty needle," said Barry Ytuarte, a recovering heroin addict. "Having a program that would allow the exchange of dirty needles for clean needles is perfect."
As part of the exchange, addicts would be provided wound care supplies, as well as outreach and public education opportunities.
Bexar County District Attorney Nicolas LaHood is optimistic about the proposed program.
"If someone comes in for a clean needle, you can wrap in services that you can try to bring them into the fold and then get them help so that we can stop that repeat offender cycle," LaHood said.
Opponents of the proposal say that handing out needles only promotes continued drug use.
"The misconception is that we go around just passing out needles to everybody, and that's not how this program would work," LaHood said.
Proponents say it would help prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS and help cut health care costs.
Texas is the only state that has not legalized the exchange.
LaHood said that for now, he must support the law that forbids the exchange.
But, he said, "If they pass the law, then we'll follow it. I'm not going to be the one that holds it up."