Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jan 2002
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2002 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Author: Keesha LaTulippe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n2140/a07.html

SOME ADDICTS BENEFIT FROM NEEDLE EXCHANGE

I am writing in response to a letter to the editor (Telegram & 
Gazette, Jan. 7) regarding the needle exchange survey contracted by 
the Henry Lee Willis Community Center.

I was born and raised in Worcester. I spent my adolescence in the 
heart of Main South and proudly graduated from South High School and 
then from Worcester State College. I hope that any survey looking at 
the devastating affects of drug addiction in Worcester will include 
my story.

I have many of my own experiences watching many people I loved die 
from AIDS as a result of their drug addiction. I have lived with the 
people prostituting and add those experiences to my talks with the 
parents of the people who are prostituting. I work with drug addicts 
in the heart of Worcester every day. I have helped my elementary 
schoolmates into detoxification and to obtain HIV testing. That is 
why I am a staunch advocate for a needle exchange.

I share the author's concern for people struggling with addiction. I 
have dedicated my life to helping people through the process of 
recovery and it is my view that needle exchange will help some 
individuals who are addicted and give them the opportunity to live a 
life of recovery.

The fact is that there are many Worcester residents who support 
needle exchange as part of an HIV prevention and substance abuse 
treatment plan.

KEESHA LaTULIPPE Southbridge
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MAP posted-by: Josh