Frankly HEROIN is against the law and everyone should be arrested for drug paraphanelia if in possession of these kits... Also to aid and abet someone committing a felony BTW is what possession of Heroin is should also be charged.

Needle exchanges should be at a clinic. Heroin users are at risk for hepatitis and other blood borne diseases and should get checked out by a health care professional, where they can also get counselling about recovery.

SarahB: I agree. The major numbers are probably the same places where the kids are bringing all kinds of Rx meds, throwing in the bowl, and taking handfuls of random medications... definitely NOT the 4th Ward. JMO

Truth1 I don't know where the FED DEA is maybe they are busy looking for thekid (just kidding). So you don't pay any taxes? If you do why are we the only suckers? And SarahB1 heroin is so cheap its everywhere.

Ok saving people from dirty needles is one thing. But no one seems to care that this guy also gives out Narcan. Narcan is a prescription drug given by health professionals in case of overdose. So heres a clean needle shoot up your drugs. Oh and heres this in case you overdose. Whats wrong with this picture?

I am stunned by the perseverance, strength, and heartbreak so many of you have shared here.
I drove through the Fourth ward today- the heartbreak and desperation was almost palpable.
Until the desperation is abated, this needle program will be necessary.

My heart and admiration goes out to all of you who are helping a family member with this problem. I can't imagine.

so, maybe... think twice be for casting stone in glass houses? what a strange idea

We can't make people make their lifestyle choices-- morally right or wrong by the general society's norms. BUT, if there is someone out there that is willing to help people, in this case, shooting up drugs safer (however safe the concept can be, but it minimizes the spread of such diseases as HIV), then so be it.

Who are we to criticize a drug user when we all use some sort of drug-- nicotine, caffeine, etc.

Before you criticize this last statement, reflect on what you use throughout the day. I'm willing to bet that those who will criticize this statement are addicted to something... nicotine, caffeine, prescription drugs, etc. JMO

many victims of AID, hepititus, other blood diseases are innocent bystanders... newborns, spouses, bf/gf's, victim of rap, ect... these are the human beings being protected by this program.

lemme get this straight.....the law-abiding work hard to make money to pay taxes so the "law" can "make deals" that allow others to make even MORE money than the law-abiding by selling dangerous/illegal drugs....right?...
......suckers

WHERE are the "feds" in aiding the arrest and prosecution of the top dealers so the da doesn't have to "make deals"???....Keep paying taxes....Suckers.

fact101- Where is the big "fed-DEA" in this picture that we pay taxes to supposedly "do a job"?...I suppose the same place as our "border control" that is supposed to keep it/them out in the first place....Keep paying taxes....Suckers.

Truth1 The addicts give up the dealers pretty fast I can tell you. But as soon as they take one off the street another steps in to take the spot. And then dealers make deals with the DA which gives them little or no jail or prison time. And heroin is cheap so even younger kids can afford it. Which should scare the crap out of people. Until we as a society change the system that operates this way we have no hope.

TJ you never beat a drug or alcohol addiction. My kid will fight this "urge" the rest of his life. Until you have lived the nightmare you cannot really understand. We found kits like are pictured hidden all over the house. And to top it off he gave out Narcan which makes him a drug dealer. If I ever meet this guy he will have handed out his last needle or prescription drug. He feeds the habit and is no better than the people who push the poison.

Stuff like this just PROVES there is no serious effort to stop even "hard" drugs...How hard would it be to make some arrests and interrogate users to get to the chain-of-supply??.....***The joke is on the taxpayers... AGAIN***
Play-by-the-rules and "pay taxes"......Suckers.

The quicker users get diseases from dirty needles, the quicker they are off the streets. Problem solved ;)

There is nothing safe about a heroin, methamphetimine or cocaine addiction. The end result is always death sooner or later. Look at the clean needle program this way; It stops the spread of HIV and Hepatitis to those that don't use drugs but are involved with drug users. That alone makes it a good idea. Some addicts do beat drug addiction only to find they have contracted these diseases through sharing dirty needles. I admire anyone who can beat a drug or alcohol addiction and I don't want it to be a life sentence for them. GOOD PROGRAM.

Stressedmom I know what you are going through been there done that and am still dealing with it. Where you and I disagree is about this guy sorry I cannot agree. What is funny is how fast the kids give up the dealers and the suppliers of needles. My kid gave up the dealer pretty fast. But yet the dealer still walks free and I went and told the police. And heroin is not just Janesvilles dirty little secret. Its all over southern Wisconsin and the closer you are to I-90 the worse it is. Most of the drug comes from Rockford cops will tell you this. And they can show you the route by highways how it gets here. You have my prayers because we both know that the battle to save our children is only beginning. They will battle this addiction for the rest of their lives. I apologize to the rest of the blog here I did not read every post. The minute I read the article I was upset and went right to post.

jillian Oh he provides narcan too trust me its a fact. I have a child who got into the herion. He provides everything they need to stay high except the herion. And in case you overdose heres some narcan for you. Its wrong first narcan is a prescribed drug which makes this guy a drug dealer. He should be in jail not being written about. Having experienced first hand the results of this guy I know. Mister if you ever cross paths with me we are going to tangle. How dare you think your providing a service. Your no better than the drug dealers that supply this stuff. This was a lot of personnel information. But I felt it had to be said. Now all you people who want to protect and praise this guy you go ahead and do it. And criticize me if you want. I got my child back but everyday is a battle to keep him from going back.You have no idea how it hurts to see your child go through with drawls. To see the scars left on their bodies from shooting up. We will battle this demon forever. And for anyone who wants to harm my child by supplying the drugs or the tools. I will harm you in ways that you cannot imagine if you try to take my child down this path again. So let the cheap shots begin.

whoanellie, for someone who has seen addiction up-close, I'm afraid you don't know enough about it to be of any use to loved ones who may use. I understand your anger and frustration. Loved ones of addicts have been mentally, emotionally and spiritually affected as well. Al-Anon can be a great help in repairing your OWN damage ... and if you think you don't have any, check out a minimum of three meetings once.

Stressedmom, everything you say is true and I thank you for saying it. I carry you and your family in my thoughts today and hope that you are availing yourself of any and all assistance for family members. Though heroin may indeed be a different animal for which we have yet to find a good 12-step approach, family members of all kinds of addicts are similarly (I do not say identically) affected and can benefit. People don't share their stories about using or about using family members, and if that is what your child has encountered, he has been at the wrong meetings. They share how they cope, themselves, now, in the most positive sense, and you deserve a chance at clearing your head and moving forward with some support. Wish you the very best.

Check out the statistics,
legal pharmaceuticals are responsible for far more deaths and overdoses in our children than illegal drugs.

The number one leading cause of deaths to our children are factors directly related to poor nutrition!

What is your child eating for breakfast this morning? If a child doesn't eat well, they can not think well. If we want change in our communities, we need to be willing to change our own personal thinking and behavior.

omg! stressed mom, my prayers and hopes are for you and your family and others with the same nightmare you are living.you must be a very strong woman to endure all that is happening in your life. i pray your child can recover from this awful addicton. good luck to you, and what a good post.

they do have help for people with mental illness evansville housewife in rock county,they put them in jail or prison,research it,an see how many in the prison system are mental patients and how many class actions law suits there have been against the prisons and the state of wisconsin. look how many minors have been sent to boscobel supermax with mental illness,and put in complete isolation. very interesting reading.

stressed mom...my heart goes out to u as a perent of an addict as well....i however take offense to the comment about sending them to beloit for medthadone sends them to the dealers. they are here, too. it's not just purchased in beloit and done in janesville, edgerton, milton, and evansville! it is sold everywhere. i get tired of everyone blaming janesvilles drug, gang and violence issues on beloit. we should be pulling together as 2 communities within 10 miles in the same county, not looking for places to blame! also, i think that with your experience and resources if you think janesville needs groups for heroin addicts that are affordable, i think that you should be part of that solution! it sounds to me like you are informed, educated, and possibly could get more information from madison where you take your son to get something started. just an idea on how to be part of the solution!!

Handing out information and clean needles is part of a Harm Reduction model. It is part of reducing the harm an addict causes to themselves and to others while they are in their active addiction. To understand it one might take the view that we are all connected to each other. A person who is an addict is a brother, a sister, a mother, a father, a friend, a neighbor, a daughter, a son, etc. Out of a greater, or a higher sense of ourselves, and those around us, the idea is to help them cause less harm to themselves, until they hopefully find recovery from their addiction. As you hear, there is not enough beds, not enough money or resources to accommodate in-patient treatment. In the interim, how can we lessen the harm an addict is causing?

An addiction can happen to anyone, if you listen as a person talks about their own beginning, you will hear repeatedly that they never thought it could happen to them, never thought they would become an addict, they had dreams and plans, some had and some still have great jobs, and education. Never say never -
"harm reduction" is a compassionate act. Yet the motivation can be one of love, or it can be totally self serving.

Eventually, and at some time, in the self serving view, what happens to a person with an addiction will effect you, or impact your life in some way- by raising your medical costs, insurance costs, taxes, somewhere your path crosses the path of an addict - would you like that addict to be infected with HIV, or would you like them to be free of HIV. Thus there is a logical reason and purpose in considering the "harm reduction" model.
Your own motivation really does not make a difference, the argument stands strongly in either case, weather you happen to side out of compassion for others or for yourself.

Removing driving privileges from a person who drinks and drives is an excellent form of the "harm reduction" model at work within the community. We may not be able to prevent the drinker from drinking, but we can take a step in reducing the opportunity to drive a car and kill someone, or themselves.
~Cheryl

Lake- it doesnt matter, he is helping them.. Spread of disease? To whom the drug users themselves..?.. We are already suppose to be teaching our young/old to wear condoms in this day and age because of HIV, so- I am sorry but this handing out clean needles is ridiculous IMO. It doesnt make sense, use the money for avenues of helping to stop, not to get a clean high.

lvmyslf-You and every other parent can't rely on the police or the school to take care of it. YOU need to take care of it with your own children. You need to be a full time parent. At the ages your children are you need to be on top of things even more. Know where they are, who they are hanging out with. If they say they are gathering at someones house make sure there is parental supervision. CALL the PARENTS to confirm they will be there and that no alcohol is involved. If they are staying over at someones house verify it and have them call from that house and check the caller ID that they are where they say they are at. Give them a curfew and make sure they realize the consequences of violating it. Make them come in and talk to you when you come home so you can make sure they aren't drunk of high. Have an open dialogue with your children about sex, alcohol and drugs. Let them know your expectations on these matters. Children want rules and limits, give them to them.

I know I will get lambasted by the "they need freedom to grow and learn on their own" crowd, and the "thats not realistic" bunch but I have done this with three children and it works and is worth the effort.

i read these stories and it scares the hell out of me, it seems they are all so young when introduced to heroin. i have a 16 year old daughter and a 14 year old son, and it scares me. i would like to know exactly HOW the police are going to take care of this. it seems they bust one dealer there is another one waiting to take his place. peer pressure is way to much for kids, i guess this man is helping anyway he can and he should get a pat on the back for that, but i want to know is how this epidemic is going to be stopped?

lake: good posts...i wish you were on our team for the tunnel:)

worldlove: lake sorta stoll my thought but i agree with you that people who need needles for medical reasons should have an avenue to exchange what they have. may i nominate you to do as this man did and start a program like that in this area?? im sure you could find a govt grant or two to help with the costs..

Shooting up can't be comfortable with any needle, having pus,infection, scars- that is what I was referring to as being uncomfortable. The worst of addicts probably just throw them on the floor or wherever. This really isn't going anywhere.The whole drug situation is a drain on society, mentally, physically, finacially. It hurts loved ones,friends, as well as enemies,the educated,uneducated, rich& poor. The drug is in control of us all, really. Janesville must do something to prevent it from getting worse, this town has many challenges, this has a possibility to get much worse. Instead of us sitting here arguing and blaming someone who is trying to help- in his own way, some group should form to prevent this atrocity(SP) from continuing to affect all HUMAN BEINGS.

Worldlove.
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Now that we understand how you feel about addicts and their families, let me respond to the first part of your statement.
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This program isn't about helping people who have diseases that need needles get them. It's about providing addicts with clean needles.
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Should there be a program out there so that people have access to the needles they need to inject medicine? Yes. Maybe there already is, I don't know. Does the fact that there may not be detract from this agenda? No. You may think it's more important, and that's your right. Get up and do something about it. These needle exchange programs are in the business of supplying addicts with clean needles, and that's their priority. You may not think it measures up to other agendas, (like supplying sick people with needles for their medicine), but know that you can always do something about that.
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And you're exactly right. Heroin addicts don't care if they have a sterile needle, which is why diseases spread from user to user, which is why this program was created. Evidence is showing, though, that if they have access to a clean needle, they'll use it. This will help curb the spread of disease, which is the goal of this program.
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Like I said before... what about people with diseases who NEED the FREE needles instead of paying crazy amounts of money a month for them, should they pretend to be POOR,HELPLESS, heroin addicts to get free needles? AND if a heroin addict doesn't have a clean needle... not a big deal to them they'll just use the same one or share with others so although it may lower disease addicts don't care. With this talk about heroin addicts not being loved by family in their life or even after their addiction started is stupid talk, I know people who thought they were the most important thing to their family who now use and I have tried to help these family members as well only to get used and stolen from over and over again, so NO it's not poor addicts anymore it's poor FAMILY for trying sooo much and thinking they can help only to be screwed everytime you try. I'm really sick of people writing in saying it's not their fault or they're not loved so the family draws them to the drug. I feel bad for SOME but it's NOBODYS fault but there own so stop the blaming family who's gut churn everyday to think death is a step away. give free needles to the ones that deserve them then think about giving them to the ones that care only for themselves seeing how being selfish is the one thing all these addicts have in common anyway. Not to mention the prostitutes are gonna spread even more diseases anyways, instead of poor addicts think poor kids who might accidently get pricked by one of these needles.

Oh, and beakountable:
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This program does not "let them do it safely." Heroin overdose claims lives regardless if the heroin comes out of a dirty or clean needle. While the user who uses a clean needle when shooting up may be "safe" from diseases spread by dirty needles, he or she is in no way "safe."
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beakountable...You and I must have very different definitions of "comfortable." I have never heard of a heroin addict described as "comfortable."
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I'll write it again: the goal with this program is not to make anyone more comfortable, not to make anyone less "visible," and not to provide a solution to the strengthening heroin population here in Rock Count.
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The goal is to help prevent the spread of diseases through dirty needles.
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As far as the garbage man goes, I guess that's part of his job...taking out garbage. I would also assume that they aren't picking up actual garbage, but recepticles, with their hands. I'd also like to point out that they are more than likely trained on what to do when confronted with hazardous waste.
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And finally, are you suggesting that needle exchange programs stop because the new needles don't leave as much of a scar? Do you really think that the family of drug addicts have no other hints indicating that someone they love is on drugs?

Technically, that kind of waste gets incinerated. I know, I know-costs money.
I think what people aren't understanding here is that it is a needle EXCHANGE. They don't just hand out needles because they want the addicts to have needles. They exchange dirty ones (and get rid of them so they can't contaminate someone else) for clean ones. If this program didn't exist-needles would be shared a lot more and diseases would spread a lot more readily. That's what it's about-communicable disease. There are other programs for addicts to get help to stop their drug use.

lakennedy, it may not lead to more use however it lets them use it safely,preventing disease, minimizes scaring their arms or other body parts, and decreases infection. I would probably use more! Where do all these "DIRTY" needles disposed of anyways!!OUR LANDFILLS! Does this guy collect the dirty, used ones when he hands out new ones!! Maybe he should consider that!!He can help the addicts but does he consider the garbage man! Don't you think family and friends would be more likely to see these scars, wounds ,pus if they were visible,and offer some help? Why make them comfortable, and less visible. This is sickening, and I do have sympathy for these people but, COME ON!

lake......that was something very well described. :)

Mickie...
He isn't proposing that giving out clean needles will stop drug use. He's proposing that it will curb the spread of diseases transferred by needles. They are two different things, let's treat them as such.
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As far as Sheriff Spoden's comment regarding the handing out of clean needles legitimizing drug use...that's ridiculous. Has the fact that many areas don't hand out needles deligitimized drug use at all? I mean, let's face it, how many of us who don't use drugs are going to say: "well, now that they're handing out clean needles, I guess I'll go out and start using drugs. It's totally legitimate now.
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Pretty much every post here against this gentlemen's actions complains that handing out needles doesn't stop the problem of drug abuse. He's not suggesting that it does. He's suggesting that it helps stop the spread of other diseases.
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The majority of other posts complain that it's enabling users. I disagree wholeheartedly. I"m interested in data showing where this has led to more users using, or to established addicts using more.

Im sorry, but the solution is not giving supplies to drug users. The solution needs to be getting help to STOP. It is insane to hand out "clean needles" so they can get their next fix. As stated before people who need needles for health reasons have a hard time buying them. Yes- I am a compassionate person, but this is plain stupid.Mainly because they keep USING and this just makes it a bit easier. We need help programs to STOP, not to inject it more safely!!!!

Stressed Mom, you sound just like my mom. One of my siblings has these same issues. I applaud you for loving your son and hating the addiction and trying the best you know how. You are exactly right, the old, until you walk a mile in my shoes, is most certainly applied to addiction. It is so easy for a 'pure' person to speak all of these could ofs and should ofs, but until they truly experience the pain and suffering of being involved with an addict, and seeing the pain and suffering an addict goes through, they will never see just how completely wrong they are. And I pray that they can remain clueless as to what it is like and continue to ride in their wagon of righteousness, because I don't wish this upon anyone. Not a single soul, not even those of you on here that are so heartless.

BEAKO, your scenario would support my philosophy completely. That would be one example of how a child's innocence and opportunity to be just that, a child is robbed from them. I am not saying this is all the parent's fault, I am saying this is a portion of the sense of hopelessness a person who uses drugs has. There are many different personalities, and coping skills in our world, and many different strengths and weaknesses. Drug use and addiction is entirely too complex to try and pin point the reasons one chooses to do so, but I do believe a common denomonator is lack of self esteem or self worth. Whether that comes from their parents or someone or something else, beating up on them further isn't going to make them 'see the light'. Compassion, compassion COMPASSION! I am not saying compassion is enabling! I am saying compassion is realizing that these people are human beings with internal illnesses who are no less important that you or I. I understand that my philosophies will never get through to all, but I hope that maybe someone will just stop and think about that old saying, you more things accomplished with honey..... (can't remember the whole phrase, but I am sure most know what I am talking about). I am not saying that I am entirely right either, but in my heart, to love someone can only lead to better places. To degrade and belittle seems to be what helplessness feeds on. Right?

Beacountble - Clean needles aren't hurting those kids either. Needles aren't the solution or the problem. The drug is the problem and we need real solutions.

Stressed Mom, My heart goes out to you, your family and your son.

OK, Thanks for your comments. Now look at the fact that some of these people are most likely parents. Sure using clean needles prevents disease etc. What is it doing for their children when Daddy or MOMMY is high, needs a high, is sitting there doing drugs infront of the kids, or doing "whatever" infront of the kids to get the drugs. Think of these innocent kids, future generations of drug users, abusers, where does it end? Clean needles are not helping their pure innocent childhoods!!

I've been through it all. My son over dosed at least 2 times that I know of and paramedics saved his life. Other times I'm sure friends gave him Narcon. (thanks needle man) Every day may be his last.

The needle exchange is a good program. Take it from me, addicts will use dirty needles to inject this stuff. This program is not promoting drug use it is needed. You will never believe it until you LIVE IT. My son came from a really good home. It touches all walks of life.

Janesville needs long term rehab and counseling that is affordable. They also need a methadone clinic here. Sending our kids to the Beloit clinic sends them right to the dealers. Dealers look for these kids.

If you don't have money odds are your kid will die. If you have some money you may be able to keep them alive long enough to get through this hell. Life or death for our young people shouldn’t depend on financial ability to pay.

We drive our son to Madison everyday for methadone. It seems to finally be a solution for him. We have spent over $60,000 to try to save our son. If we didn't have the money or couldn't get it I doubt he would have made it this long. Heroin addicts don't recover after 30 days in rehab. It doesn't happen. You have to do it over and over again. You don’t understand how bad this can be until you live it.

You may say throw them out; well we did that at one point and guess who helped him? His dealers! These kids pay for drugs by buying it, cutting it and selling it for more money so they can buy the next bag. This perpetuates the problem with other kids and families. The dealers like to get “good kids” hooked. They a lot of other kids, it is good for business. That other kid may be your kid.

Needle exchange is not part of the problem. Heroin is so bad you would NEVER imagine or believe what it can do to your kid or your family. It isn’t as easy as it sounds to send your kid to their grave. I know you think it is the users choice, but he doesn’t have a choice anymore with this drug. If family doesn’t help and resources don’t improve we will just be reading more obituaries and sad stories. As long as it doesn’t happen to you it doesn’t seem so bad. Wait till your grandkid, nephew or child tries this stuff. Your thought process will evolve really quickly.

The community needs to face facts, Janesville has an epidemic. We need to face the epidemic with real solutions. Demand dictates supply.
If we can break the chain of our youth becoming prey to these dealers, maybe they will move on.

Heroin is Janesville’s dirty little secret. It is socially unacceptable. But it is here and we need to react. Do we have one Heroin Support Group for families or addicts? No. They say attend AA or NA meetings. Affordable group counseling would be a start. My kid doesn’t get anything out of listening to other addicts talk about other addictions.
Heroin is different. It should be handled specifically.

Oops....BEAKO.... :)

BREAK, I agree will most of what you say. I see now that you are a person who is speaking from experience, just as I am. Tough Love is the answer, I agree with you whole heartedly! Enabling is disgusting, I also agree with you. But, in my eyes, this needle distribution isn't enabling, it is prevention, but we can choose to agree to disagree on that. No, these people are not in the cradle any longer, but when a child is abused (and neglect clasifies as abuse) their way of thinking is frozen in time where they 'got left behind'. They don't have the coping mechanisms that a 'so-called' healthy person has, who was raised in a loving home. And don't get me wrong, even the best intended parents can 'over-love' and create problems as well. What I am saying is, we are all born innocent and with pure desires. It is the parents responsiblity to protect and preserve the innocence and build self worth not demolish it, or prevent it from even forming. I speak from experience of being neglected as well as abused, and I have learned my behaviors throughout life have been a result of how I was raised. I chose to NOT use that as a crutch though, where some people aren't that strong! I chose to understand why I was making poor choices and ending up in the same messes over and over again. I chose to use my lack of love in my childhood to teach me what a parent should be, and not let a day pass, a goodbye pass and a good night pass without an "I love You". I seriously don't remember being told I love you while I was growing up, all I can remember is being told how much of a problem I was....and I am quite certain that I chose to do "problematic" behavior because that was what I was led to believe I was. I just plead with you to please understand that when a mental condition takes over a person's common sense, the choice to pull the boot straps up doesn't really exist any longer. People with these problems don't think rationally, and as you said, you have had experiences with things, and I bet you can think back to when you were making the wrong decisions, they may have seemed a "little" wrong at the time, but the desire to do them trumped the pang in your gut.

My last comment was directed to Rummage Sales Rock.
Whoanellie IM with you! This kind of lifestyle where no one takes responsibility for their own actions is growing day by day. Something MUST change.

TOUGH LOVE, thats it..... PERIOD.
Luckily you & MYSELF come from families who are able to help unconditionally. I am not saying that addicts don't need help. What KIND is my question. They have many options out there. If they are unwilling to help themselves I feel its up to others to HELP make correct choices for them. THIS IS NOT, free needles allows them to keep doing harm to themselves. This program and many others allow addicts have the power to keep using, abusing (themselves, possibly others) and to live recklessly. I have dealt with alot in MY life and the only way I straightened myself out was when people who really cared were there for me, guided me with out enabling me. I then gained the confidence and power from within my self to live my life with out relying on others. It was hard on my family to stand back and watch, I love them so much for doing it. One more thing-----these people ar NOT babies in a cradle any more. That innocent part of their life has probably been way over. TOUGH LOVE>>>>>>

It is my job to stick with my family who need help and I have done that. We stuck with our child when they needed help, we didn't rely on the tax payer to do it. I resent having to spend money on people who continue to use and abuse the system.Maybe if we weren't so soft on them they would pull themselves up by their own bootstraps and get right.When is enough enough??? When do we let them take responsiblity for their own actions? When do we let them become adults and take care of themselves??? We have become a nation of enablers and I for one am tired of throwing money at programs that let the person come in time & time again and it doesn't seem to help. I don't know where we shoud stop but I know that enabling them doesn't move them forward either.

And to have the ability and strength to love and care for strangers as these organizations do, is the most powerful love of all!

KID...thank you! I can tell you are a good person, and I can tell you are a functional person, and I see what you are doing is of no issue to me or society. There are levels of responsibility to everything, and I think as long as our actions don't harm others, it really is no one's business. I wonder how many people who disagree with what you do would sit and spat the same things at an obese person eating at McDonalds? Either way, it's none of their business!

BEAKO ~ I understand your disgust, and you are entitled to that, but I am EXTREMELY grateful if I were to fall flat on my face and needed intervention, you wouldn't be a member of my family or friends, who I would hope would do everything in their power to help me, and like I have with a family member, if that doesn't help, at least still will love me and be there when the time would hopefully come that I would seek help. Parents, family members, society and friends like you are what makes an addicts road to recovery that much harder. And in most cases the insensitivity and lack of love are probably what leads most of them to the drug in the first place. If we all could get that through our THICK skulls, our world wouldn't be facing such problems. Obviously people seeking a 'feel good' fix to problems aren't getting a feel good fix from where they should be able to depend on it from. I am a firm believer a person's fate is determined by the love and compassion shown to a baby in the cradle. It all starts in the beginning. And there are far too many beginnings that are doomed from just there, the beginning. It is so sad. I know that anything in my life would never be too huge to come to my husband with. I could come to him and tell him anything I may have done and I know he would be there with open arms and help me fix whatever it might be I need to fix. He may not be happy with what I did, but I know for a fact that he would still love "me". And that is what love is all about.....no matter if it is for a child, friend, parent, sibling, etc....through thick and thin!

They'll do the drugs regardless, you are enabling them to do what they would anyway-with a slightly reduced risk of getting/spreading infection.

When is enough "ENOUGH"! I am sick of all the programs that HELP people, who refuse to help themselves!!!!!! This good deed continues to reinforce this negative behavior! there is too much of this going on in society today. I say let them suffer, its harsh but how MUCH HELP DO THEY REALLY DESERVE. Most likely the tax payers pay for the NEW needles, taxpayers probably would pay for their rehabilitiation, tax payers pay for the jail they would go to for getting caught using illegal drugs. The victim is completly cared for, in any situation. Why are they allowed to control the situation, who is really in the wrong!!!!!!!

nellie you are rite you wouldnt keep giving the alcoholic beer...but you would make sure if they wanted to drink they were as safe as possible.

intended for rummagesale

good post

I believe this man is just enabling them to keep doing drugs. Maybe if they were scared of maybe dying from a bad needle they would think to get some help?? I don't know for sure though because drugs have a hold on them. but I would hope that just like an alcoholic, you don't keep offering them drinks, you should not keep offering them needles for their dangerous habit.

I am very elated that these people take their OWN time to make sure people they have never met are not harmed by a dirty needle. I see posts on here claiming these people are the culprits. That couldn't be further from the truth. Your minds are allowing the negativity to take over. SURE, to you an me drugs seem unimaginable, but that is not the reality of world. There are people who have, do and will do drugs and all these prevention people are doing is giving them the necessary tools to keep the 'next' person safe from an additional epidemic. We have to start somewhere, so if prevention of disease is the place to start, I am all for that. If it was my son who chose to do heroin, (OH I PRAY to God that will never happen, but one really never knows) I am praying that he will be provided with a clean needle so at least we will have the drug problem to deal with and not some disease. The drug problem (if it doesn't kill you first) can be removed with the right treatment, hep C and Aids unfortunately, cannot! The righteous wagon is quite disgusting sometimes! Our world is not Ideal, period. So, other means need to be taken, such as humanity and compassion. Just because someone uses drugs, doesn't mean they don't matter! And I would love to see the sheriff's dept. put these people out of business by removing the users who need the needles, but I really don't see that happening completely, unless our nation becomes a union.

And for the healthcare workers coming into contact with the user's blood??
I agree this is far from ideal-but look at the result: limiting HIV exposure and Hepatitis C exposure. That's what this program is trying to do.
As far as the sheriff's office putting this program out of business by taking away customers-I think Reinke and others involved would love that. They care about people-no, not just the 'druggies'-and would love to see these people getting helped in a more productive manner. This program is about damage control while other programs are about solving the problem causing the damage. All these programs are about combatting some aspect of heroin use.

After thinking on and off about this, it really kinda makes me angry. We cannot stop drug abuse entirely- but we must not help in this way! The more fear that comes with using heroin the better! This man although means well, should only be supplying facts to users and possible help lines. What are we next going to see syringe drop off containers placed around town like outdoor ashtrays to keep the dirty needles cleaned up? NO..I say it would be better to hand out free condoms, not needles.

Can I call Jami when I run low on beer, ya wouldn't want me driving to the store.

If there were no Needle Exchange program, would people stop using, or never start? Seems unlikely. Might as well have this protection program for those who have been caught in the deadly grip of heroin. If it were your loved one (and chances are you would have no knowledge of their addiction) wouldn't you want them using clean needles?

I'm not pro-drug, but I'll answer anyway.

No. A bartender can be prosecuted for oversupplying the drug (alcohol), not for providing the clean drinking glass.

Riddle me this pro-druggers......If you can criminally charge a bartender or parent/legal guardian for providing alcohol to someone who is D.U.I. and then kills another person, can this person be charged as an accessory to any drug related crimes that are committed by person(s)they supply???

This is bull, feed the junkies clean needles so they can stay healthy enough to boost radios or change out of cars or what ever they can get there hands on to get there next fix. To rob little old ladies to bring towns to there knees looking for these parasites, Who are we kidding? They can care less about thereselves or anybody else oh I take that back all they care about is there connection and that little bag of herion or crack cocaine. I feel nothing for these people except anger they are costing this country Billions of Dollars a year yet there are still bleeding hearts who think we should worry that they will get an infection or aids. I say let them fend for themselves maybe the world would be a better place without them

thank you world of love! Im an MS patient and I have to buy my drugs, and needles.. mine are legal... I NEED them, but I dont WANT them! i wish I didnt have to inject myself.. but I have to fork out $2800 a month for needles and medicine then what the heck.. maybe I'll pretend to be a heroin addict so i can get my needles for free...

(of course i wont, but damn, that sucks)

I'm with mickie on this one but... crisblue813 is right, why do heroin addicts get free needles when people with other diseases have to pay for theres, and most of them don't choose to have those diseases. kscmomof2 if needles don't cost much to give out then why not give them to the other people who NEED them more so. By no means does anyone even heroin addicts deserve hiv/aids but that's ONE of the MANY reasons why I wouldn't ever even think about touching the drug. AND you think these addicts are actually responsible enough to drop off dirty needles? like nikki said she found some in her yard, not buying it they don't care of their kids you think they'll care about a stranger getting pricked and when they need a clean needle but don't have one RIGHT when they need it they WILL share anyways. One more thing... prostitution for the drug, how are you gonna keep them from passing diseases around?

This program is not looking to promote drug use by any means. The program is aimed to keep the addicts from contracting deadly diseases that they can potentially give to their children, wives, or signifigant other. The emotional stress that family and friends of an addict is enough to deal with. It's important that we keep them safe from contracting diseases. Diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, is a disease that no one deserves, not even heroin addicts.

your name would fit in bizarro world.

I think the cops should start following this guy around and busting people. Then maybe this guy could start a program to help repeat drunk drivers by giving them a new car to drive. It would be much safer with them on the road drunk in a new safe car rather then some of the junk alot of drunks are driving.
Or how about if he gives out new pipes to weed smokers so they don't have to worry about spreading herpes or the flu to other users around them? Lots of good ideas could stem from this article in order to keep addicts safe from themselves.
Whats next a program to give these people money so they don't have to break in to our homes to steal for the drug money? Why not if it keeps us safe, right?
I really hope my tax dollars aren't paying for this. The article wasn't real clear on if this was a government or charity group.
Frank do you know the answer to this?

I am honestly on the fence with this one..But I see the good, and the ugly of it. Yet there is still a slight problem IMO to supply "supplies" to drug users. The whole thing is just sad.

Though I do believe it's terrible that people become addicted to ugly and dangerous drugs like heroin, I do appriecate the work of Reinke. It's bad enough that heroin addicts are putting themselves at risk for HIV but these addicts are also putting their children, spouses, and signifigant others at risk also if they use with dirty needles. If this program is able to save those lives then that is what is important.

I guess I missed the part where it says that he is handing out heroin with the clean needles! Oh it isn't in there? Then why the debate?

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.
Thomas Jefferson

Addiction is an illness. The choice to try a drug is a choice, addiction is not. I think that needle exchange programs are a good thing. I have a son who is an addict (not of IV drugs) and I know form 4 years of fighting for treatment, an addict can not just get told they have to stop using and do so. They have to hit their personal bottom and want it for themselves. So therefore, if it was Heroin that my son was addicted to, I would feel better knowing that if he outlived his addiction, we wouldn't have to worry about getting screened regularly for HIV and hepatitis. It costed 42,000$ for 28 days of drug treatment for my son. Im pretty sure there is not that much spent on handing out needles to one person. And those who are given the Narcan can inject peers who are using. As the article says, he always tells users they shouldn't use alone. We encourage people to use condoms to prevent STD's, it does not mean that we encourage them to have sex. It is giving them the tools to protect themselves. That is similar to the program. He gives them needles to prevent infection. He gives them cards on resources to quit.

How about your loved one having sex with a heroin user. Or getting raped. Or coming into contact with the user's blood. Supplying these users with clean needles and information doesn't just help the users.
And it's not like these people are going out and supplying the user's habit-they exchange a used needle for a new one, they aren't just handing them out like candy.

whatever: i understand what side your point is from, but if we could keep the users from having to lie, cheat, and steal, society would actually be a better more safer place. your point is just as valid for the legalization side.

*Hepatitis C is “just rampant” among people who inject drugs*

And that should be one huge, HUGE reason *not* to use IV drugs, EVER, right there. So let's go ahead and remove that highly negative barrier?

Another thing.... how come this needle guy wouldn't be held accountable when a person overdoses? He is providing the means for them to do the drugs as much as the person who supplied the Herion!

Why don't we just give them the Herion too? Then they wouldn't have to lie, cheat, and steal to support their drug use.

FYI- I HIGHLY DOUBT that a user that has overdoese by thereself with noone around is going to be able to inject themselves with Narcan! An unconsious person cant inject themselves! Get help .. Rock Co should put a rehab facility in.. communities can work together..

Im in shock with this article! We have a program that gives needles to users? Thats nice! And what about the people that actually have diseases where they need to buy needles for there medication? For crying out loud this is disturbing! How about instead of paying for people to keep using, why doesnt this rediculous program pay for people to get help!!!!!!! Why enable them? Absolutly REDICULOUS! This after just reading about the overdose of a 19yr old! SAD!

janesvillemom - They pick up the needles? Are you telling me that drug users are responsible and drop their old needles off somewhere and never put them in the garbage or leave them laying around? That they still can't just throw their old ones wherever they want before getting new ones? This program is sad.

These programs do not encourage drug use, only the use of clean needles to prevent the spread of disease. They pick up the old needles which is reason enough to support this program. Would you rather that used drug needles were left lying around for you or your kids to step on and get AIDS or Hepatitis? How about the garbage people who have to pick up bags and could get stuck by a stray needle. Kudos to this program!

Who are these people "Dumb and Dumber" What's next... Are they going to set-up a Kool-aid stand on my corner and give my 11 year old child a syringe. Say "Here it's Safe" Let's just make it a little more easier for these kids to get addicted. What a bunch of Idiots....

Zoom - I understand your last paragraph, but my comments are geared towards those that don't agree with that system you speak of as they've posted below. I myself, completely agree that law enforcement, etc. is very important to fight this.

You're right, people have to want rehab. However, some need a wake-up call and they can't make that decision themselves. The push is absolutely necessary for those and I don't think handing out something that helps do the opposite is a smart decision.

spark,
"Pushing" people into rehab? How does that work, in a free society? Drug treatment only works when the user is willing to accept the help, unfortunately.

This program probably helps society more than it does the drug user. How many people does a drug user come into contact with in their lifetime? How many opportunities do they have to spread diseases to non-drug users?

The article does not say this is a cure for drug use. It's purpose is to reduce the spread of disease. Law enforcement, education and good jobs are key components to reducing drug use.

thisisme - Good for you for staying clean and most importantly, wanting to do so. You should be damn proud of yourself.

Spark- I can agree with you on the terms that rehab and family/friend support is the best way to fight this uphill battle. The problem that I am not sure if you see, is that rehab and interventions are VERY expensive. The type of rehab that is needed to beat heroin isn't just throwing a brief stint in a center and all is well. Yes, I completly agree that it can be done. As I had explained a few weeks ago, I am clean for 10 years and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. Some of these people don't have family or friends that have the time, energy and/or money to offer the kind of help that I was. I agree that offering clean needles isn't one of the best alternatives, but I truly believe that until better alternatives are offered or available, all people can do is what they can to help.

janesvillean and others - You keep saying this is providing a safe means of doing something they are already doing. AGAIN, there is no such thing. Providing a kid a helmet to ride a bike is a safe thing to do. Doing heroin is not safe, but because someone is providing the user a clean needle, you think this is the safe answer to something that medically and realistically is not, and never will be safe. Pushing people into rehab? You're damn right they should be pushed into it. That's what people that love and care about someone should do. No more Mr. and Mrs. nice guy. A wake call is needed. An intervention. How is providing needles to someone to inject, helping them better than rehab would?

Treatment for mental health problems, and for drug addiction, is indeed an issue, but there are fairly strong state and federal laws that require schools to provide an education for kids with special needs.

I just wish it was as easy for people with mental illness to get help, or children with special needs to get a suitable education, as it is for drug users to get drugs and supplies for their high,

Needle exchange programs don't supply the drug, they only supply a safe means to do what the addict is already going to do anyway. This serves a public health purpose of preventing the spread of communicable diseases including AIDS and hepatitis. That isn't just something that benefits the addicts, it benefits everyone who loves and cares for them, as well as you and I in the community.
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If a program like this is changed to focus on pushing people into rehab it will be unable to reach those it needs to, the ones most at risk.
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This program is not in opposition to law enforcement.

It's funny to me how their is "NO" drug problem in janesville (by what the law makers have been saying/or their denial of it)then all this NEW information "ONLY" comes out,after the fact of people killing themselves,from drugs! Does any one else feel like governing factors in this town,not only lie to us,but are in denial of the facts that the citizens have known for years to be true. Makes you wonder what their motives are,for trying to make "US" feel like uneducated morons,and these issues are only in our heads. If that many needles are being given out,where are the COPS?? If they can in trap a man for trying to put a hit on his wife & lover(hells angel) why can't they go undercover to catch these pushers??

Why isn't there some kind of Drug Stoppers hot line . It could work somewhat like Crime Stoppers . The details would have to be worked out . Wouldn't it be really nice if kids could report a person of interest in regards to heroin use ! Just an idea .

I understand you all think he's doing something good by helping not spread another disease, but it's not helping combat the current disease they already have. It's a smokescreen for actually trying to work on the first problem. The real problem. The drug someone is addicted to. I don't have all the answers. There's obviously some great rehab centers out there and you're right, the families need to be the ones to open their eyes and get involved with helping.

Agreed. It is never safe. What I'm interested in is what sort of tactics/solutions do you have to curb the drug use? Do you think that current social measures are lacking, if so, how? I believe that with the resources this man has, dedicating them in this manner is having far more of a better impact on a far greater number of people than dedicating them in different manner. As I understand it, gettting someone to quit using heroin is a very difficult job, and one that is most successful when taken on by a family member or a loved one. This man is helping strangers and all of society by avoiding the spread of diseases that are transferred through needles.

jillian - Putting a chemical in your body like heroin is not safe. Never will be. You're missing the point.

How is providing them the resources to do their drug, helping them get the proper help they need to try and quit the habit? I understand people can sit here all day and say the reality is people do drugs, etc, etc. That is obvious. Does that mean we just say, well they're going to do it anyways, so let's find a better way for them to still do it? What kind of a cop-out, pathetic solution is that? The reality also is, people can quit with the proper help if they're willing to do so. People do it all the time. Some people won't be able to quit too. Some people can't be helped, but all's you can do is try. The reality is, sometimes it doesn't work.

You're right, it is a choice. We all make them, be it good or bad. In a perfect world nobody would make the choice to do herion, but many, many do. So I see nothing wrong and believe its the humane thing to do, to provide them the knowledge and resources to do it safely.

Herion can be done safely, the Swiss have the right idea. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/0...

No one is saying that it's not a choice. No one wants anyone they love to do or try heroin. Ever. That being said, in reality, people still do it. This program is not adding to that reality...

fyi...there's no such thing as doing heroin safely. The two words shouldn't be in the same sentence.

Kennedy, you couldn't of said it any better!

I'd rather my kid never try it because they could die one time from it regardless. As far as the harm reduction and providing the knowledge and resources to do this horrible habit safely. The knowledge and resources should be spent on providing them the info as to why they shouldn't do it in the first place. It's a choice.

edubs...there wouldn't be a funeral if they were provided narcan.

edubswoman68: valid question. its a tough topic to discuss right vs wrong. would you like to have your child try heroin and not like it or ever use it again only to find out they contracted AIDS from a dirty needle??

Giving a rapist a condom and give a druggy a new needle are not even close to being able to compare.

heroin is getting really bad around here i live on the southside of town in a trailer park and the other day my mother and her boyfriend were cleaning their yard and found 2 hyperdermic needles just laying in their yard! what if my child got ahold of that or my neice?? then what!

Not saying if this is a good idea or a bad idea, but would like to know how many family and friends would say at a funeral " Poor thing died so young at a early age of a drug overdose, but Thank Goodness they were supplied with a sterile needle for every use"! Ok so maybe I am saying it is a bad idea.
To me it's no different than that Dr. Kavorkian (not sure on spelling) was doing to help the terminally ill commit suicide.
It seems like they are aiding the habit instead of curing it.

I'm all about harm reduction! If they are going to do it what is so wrong with providing them the knowledge and the resources to do it safely?

good point kennedy.

Right, because without this, no one will do drugs. What he's doing isn't adding to the problem, he's trying to stop another one from spreading.
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good for you, sir.

Sad. Helping people who participate in an illegal activity. This man is no hero, he is assisting law breakers. What's next, handing out condems to rapist so they don't catch a disease?

So sad that people have to rely on this crap to be happy.

this is a good program. bravo to this man.

and to sherriff spoden and the sheriff's office wanting to put needle exchange programs out of business by taking away their customers. ummm weve been trying to take away illegal drug customers since prez nixon declared a war on drugs in 1971. doesnt work like that bob. 38 years into the 'war on drugs' and the user rate is the same and as these recent heroin stories seem to indicate maybe even growing. are legal drugs the answer?? maybe. maybe not. what we have now is OBVIOUSLY NOT WORKING.