By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
There are cabinets full of clean needles at the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation‘s Syringe Access Program. The supplies are for injecting drug users.
“Definitely with the increase of individuals that are using heroin it could easily lead to an increase in HIV cases, especially if people are sharing used syringes,” said Alicia Parker.
Client services manager Parker says although the nonprofit hasn’t seen an increase in HIV cases in the state, “We have seen an increase in individuals who are starting with injecting so where as before it was a progression, but we’re seeing young individuals are starting with injecting right off the bat.”
The New Jersey Department of Health indicates statewide 38,319 people were reported living with HIV or AIDS by June 2015. Injection drug use and sexual contact remain the major modes of exposure to HIV infection.
“I had a problem with crack cocaine for a while,” said Dale Cofer.
Cofer, resident of the Center House, a nonprofit in Asbury Park that provides permanent, supportive housing for single adults living with HIV or AIDS, says he never used needles but remembers watching other addicts share syringes.
“When you’re under the influence of that particular drug, it’s not you, it’s like a demon inside you and you don’t think about the diseases and things like that and the risk that you’re taking with sharing a needle because all that’s important is the drug at that time,” he said.
About 20 users visit the anonymous Syringe Access Program every weekday. Staffers at the Jersey City location give out new syringes and other items used for injecting, like cookers, cotton, sterile water and alcohol swabs.
Here at the Syringe Access Program, injecting drug users are also given bio hazard containers. They are puncture proof and clients can use them to dispose of the used needles properly.
“We’re not going to be able to stop everyone that is injecting, but at least we can make sure they are doing it safely so we can slow the spread of bloodborne pathogens,” Parker said.
If users are open to it, they’re referred to a drug treatment program. There are four other syringe exchange programs in the state, not enough says Parker who’s seen a decrease in HIV infections due to injection drug use since the sites opened. She insists additional funding is key and would like to see similar programs in Central Jersey and along the shore. Cofer agrees. He worries about his friends still overcome by addiction.
“It will save a lot of lives I believe,” he said.