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Drug Policy Alliance New Jersey needs your help!Â* We are launching our fall sterile syringe access campaign and we need you to help us ensure that New Jersey finally does the right thing and passes life-saving sterile syringe access legislation.

With the recent passage of sterile syringe access legislation in Delaware and Massachusetts, New Jersey is the last state in the nation with no access whatsoever to sterile syringes to prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases.Â* We are rallying our allies and supporters to ensure the legislature and governor take up this critically important issue as soon as the legislature returns in September.Â* Help us fight for sterile syringe access! Together we can make a difference! Please send a fax.
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New Jersey has the 5th highest number of adult HIV cases, the 3rd highest number of pediatric HIV cases, and the highest proportion of women infected in the nation.Â* New Jersey's rate of infection related to the sharing of contaminated syringes is almost twice the national average. Â*

Senate Bills 823 and 494 and Assembly Bills 1582 and 2839 would allow for the establishment of municipal syringe exchange programs and the non-prescription sale of limited numbers of syringes in pharmacies.Â*Â* The time to act on this legislation is now!

Please take a moment to send a fax to the Governor, Assembly Speaker, Senate President, Senate health committee chair, and Assembly health committee chair telling them to take action on this life-saving legislation.Â*

Over the coming weeks we will keep you updated on the progress of our Campaign for a Healthier New Jersey Fall '06 Initiative.Â* Thank you for your dedication to preventing HIV and hepatitis C and saving lives in New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Roseanne Scotti
Director, Drug Policy Alliance New Jersey http://www.nooked.com/news/itemtrack...0d7fd636143486

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