Exchanging needles and needle exchange clinics have been a controversial issue since their inception. The basic premis is this: an IV drug user may exchange old or dirty needles for new ones, thus limiting the chance of spreading HIV and various other blood borne pathogens. It has been documented that many IV users "share works" or use already used needles and share them with fellow drug users.
Needle exchange has been implemented in several major metropolatin areas and has shown a drastic impact on the transmission of HIV.
Still, naysayers rant that programs like these advocate drug use, and even go so far as to take the position that if you're a needle junkie, you deserve what you get. Despite these protests, legislation is now in place to provide federal funding for such clinics.
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