HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RELATED TO THE EVALUATION OF AN ILLEGAL NEEDLE EXCHANGE

PROGRAMDebra Harris, Ph.D., California State University,

Fresno

Needle Exchange Program (NEP) - Fresno, CaliforniaNeedles Exchanged in 1 hour – 10,000 used needlesNumber of Individual Attending - 150

Needle Exchange Program - Fresno

Needle Exchange Program - Fresno

Problem

• 1.1 million people in the U.S. – HIV• 3.9 million in the U.S. – Hepatitis C• Transmission – illegal drug activity• Fresno Board of Supervisors – NEP encourage

needle use

Aim of Program

• Decrease HIV & Hepatitis C• Encourage Treatment

• Seek Legalization – Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Aim of Evaluation / Method

• Evaluate Participant Behavior – – Does the NEP have an effect on needle sharing?– Does the NEP have an effect on needle re-use?– Do people enroll in treatment?

• Institutional Review Board – approved!• Quantitative Survey• Individual Interviews – researcher and students• No Rewards

Results of Evaluation• 106 Individuals Interviewed

• Gender– Male – 67.9% (72)– Females – 32.1% (34)

• Age – 44.4 years• HIV Positive – 4.5% (5)• Hepatitis C – 39.6 (42)• Drug Used

– Heroine 68.9% (73)– Methamphetamine 38.7% (41)

Results of Evaluation (continued)

• Few Individuals Sought Drug Treatment

Result of Evaluation (continued)

• Sharing Needles – Significant difference between those who shared before compared to those who shared after the NEP– Controlled for Gender – Males significant; not females

• Re-Using Needles – Significant difference between those who shared before compared to those who shared after the NEP– Controlled for Gender – Males significant; not females

Human Rights Issues Related to Evalution (lessons learned)

• Drug Using Individuals– Health Care Access– Treatment

• Professionals– Free From Jail– Public Opinion

• Fresno Board of Supervisors – denied any approval