Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
It has been in circulation since June 2007, but a brochure produced by New York's health department that was intended to minimize the harm associated with drug injection sparked controversy in early January after its existence was reported in the New York Post.
Titled "Take Charge, Take Care: 10 Tips for Safer Use," the 16-page pamphlet was produced by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Adam Karpati, executive deputy commissioner of the mental hygiene division, flatly denied critics' charges that the publication amounts to a "how to" manual for drug injectors.
"Our primary message, as it is in all our initiatives," Karpati says, "is to help people stop using drugs and provide them with information on how to quit." He says the leaflet's first page counsels users to "get help and support to stop using drugs." Health officials say the department has spent about $32,000 to print and distribute 70,000 copies of the flier.
"You're spending taxpayer money and getting a how-to guide for first-time users," charges city council member Peter F. Vallone Jr., who chairs the city's public safety committee. He says he plans to meet with Thomas A. Farley, the city's health commissioner, to ask that the pamphlet be withdrawn.
"When I looked at the brochure, it suggested a normalization" of drug injection, says Bridget G. Brennan, the city's special narcotics prosecutor. "Anytime you intravenously inject drugs, you're taking your life into your hands, no matter how many times you wash your hands or use alcohol. It's a poison. And you don't know what the drug is cut with." Though she acknowledged the harm-reduction benefits of needle exchange, Brennan says the brochure "doesn't fall into that category."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM