UTMB prof backs needle exchange

Needle exchange programs save lives and money, a professor from UTMB medical school writes in today's Austin Statesman:

Had our legislators understood the nature of these communicable diseases, surely syringe exchanges never would have been prohibited. Thirty years ago, most scientists and medical professionals did not have enough information to predict that billions of dollars would be required to treat so many infected people.

SB 127 by Lindsay, which would allow local governments to enact needle exchange programs if they choose, is on the Senate "Intent" calendar this week, which means it could come up for a vote soon.