A very good way to slow the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C.

took the lead and county government, city government, law enforcement and the public joined in to support it as a component of blood born infection prevention efforts. As well as a link to broader health care programs. That framework was key to establishing the program.

Funding became an issue after cuts to the Ryan White federal and state funds. Tough allocation decisions were made. Locally, the County stepped up to provide enough financial support to keep the exchange operating. The bulk of the funding goes to supplies, it's a volunteer driven operation.

Fresno has had some problems with syringe exchange. Hopefully, with recent state legislation legalizing syringe exchange statewide, they'll be able to build the coalitions needed to maintain a viable program.

for it to happen. Sometimes our county comes through.

We need to look closer at this nationwide. It is part of the double edged sword of the drug problem. With all the illnesses out there that can be spread due to the sharing of needles, something must be done. Just outlawing drugs and sending people to jail will not stop the health issues.