New drug program for New Jersey cities

Intravenous drug users will be able to get clean needles in four New Jersey cities under an experimental program approved to try to slow the spread of HIV and AIDS. The needle exchange pilot program approved for Atlantic City, Camden, Newark and Paterson will end New Jersey's status as the only state without a legal way for drug users to get clean syringes. The state Legislature approved a pilot program last year that allows up to six cities to establish needle exchanges for three years. The four cities approved by the state Department of Health and Senior Services can begin operating their programs as soon as Sept. 1, but must be operating by Dec. 1.