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NEEDLE EXCHANGE SEEKS A HOME

State's Attorney Advises Health Department Not To Partner With Lifeguard

PEORIA - A needle exchange program might still operate successfully in
Peoria, albeit off the streets, said public health professionals who met
with city officials on Friday.

"I really think this is doable now," said Julie Pryde of Champaign, who
supervises Lifeguard Harm Reduction Services in central Illinois.

Starting Sunday, registered nurse Beth Wehrman of Lifeguard can no longer
operate her street-based hypodermic needle exchange program in Peoria. A
city ordinance passed this month restricts exchanges to non-residential
buildings.

The aim of Friday's meeting was to start locating potential building sites
to continue providing clean needles to 80 local intravenous drug users. The
intent is to reduce the spread of AIDS and hepatitis.

"There are all kinds of places out there that I think you could partnership
with," said Peoria Police Chief John Stenson, who says the program belongs
in a health or drug treatment facility.

Whether such entities will be willing to embrace the program still remains
to be seen.

While the Peoria City/County Health Department was at the table Friday,
spokeswoman Kate Van Beek said their office is probably not the best
setting for a needle exchange.

First off, the department has had no internal discussions about housing the
program. Secondly, she doubts they would adequately reach that segment of
the community.

"We can help with networking. We can play community collaborator and help
make sure all the ends are put together," she said.

But the health department's being cautioned by the Peoria County State's
Attorney's office, who "was very reluctant to let us go to this meeting,"
Van Beek said Friday.

State's Attorney Kevin Lyons - who did not attend the meeting - said he
doesn't see why needle exchange advocates would assume the health
department is the proper place for such a program. He sees no compelling
reason for government to get involved.

"(The city ordinance) doesn't require the health department to do it. It
means go find yourself a building so you're in compliance," Lyons said.
"It's not government's role to find you a building or give you free space."

Others argue needle exchanges shouldn't operate in a vacuum but with other
health and social services.

"In my opinion, true prevention is to get these people off drugs. That
should be the underlying goal," said city neighborhood specialist Leslie
McKnight. "Make it a one stop shop. Make it holistic."

Arlene Davis of the health department can envision such a setup. She hopes
agencies will find ways to blend their mission with the disease prevention
mission of the needle exchange program.

"I think it has the potential of being a very successful program in
Peoria," she said. "I don't see it happening overnight. We just have to
find common ground and build on that."

Another idea the group plans to investigate is whether a voucher system can
be set up so drug users could pick up clean needles at pharmacies.

Wehrman will continue offering services like disease testing and
vaccinations from her car, and Pryde was happy to learn Friday from
assistant city attorney Cliff Mitchell that she also can continue
collecting dirty needles from the street.

Those interested in providing some space for the needle exchange program
can call Pryde at (217) 352-8486, Ext. 196.