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Guam group explores issues on needle exchange On Thursday, January 16th a group of people interested in HIV/AIDS prevention met for the first time to discuss the issue of needle exchange. While there are no needle exchange services on Guam at present, some people expressed that a needle exchange program is needed to reduce the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis. The purpose of the first meeting was to get acquainted, to brainstorm with others about needle exchange, to gauge interest and support for needle exchange from those involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and to become more educated about the issue itself. A 1996 HIV/AIDS Prevention Needs Assessment Study conducted on Guam for the Department of Public Health and Social Services, indicates that "Intravenous drug use, the sharing of needles, and associated sexual behavior may become a major route of HIV transmission on Guam." This preliminary finding is supported by the fact that 80% of injection drug users on Guam surveyed for the study reported that they shared needles, one of the major ways that HIV is transmitted. The needle exchange interest group agreed to meet again and to discuss how to educate themselves and our community leaders about needle exchange issues. For those with questions or for those interested in learning more about needle exchange issues on Guam and how HIV transmission can be reduced by a needle exchange program, please call Renata B. at 734-2055.