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By DMUAdmin Joseph Vitale News & Releases Nia H. Gill

21 Jun: Vitale-Gill Bill To Make Needle Exchange Permanent In New Jersey Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Nia H. Gill that would expand the state’s sterile syringe and needle exchange program to help reduce the prevalence of transmitted bloodborne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C through shared intravenous needles was approved by the full Senate today.

“Since its inception in 2006, New Jersey’s sterile syringe and needle exchange program has been a proven success,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Related Blood Borne Pathogens. “Not only has the program been able to reduce the number of intravenous drug users who transmit serious bloodborne diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis C through the sharing of dirty needles, but it has provided drug users with access to treatment options for their addictions. In fact, 25 percent of participants in the exchange program have enrolled in drug abuse treatment programs. I am pleased that we are able to make this program permanent and to allow all municipalities throughout New Jersey to establish needle exchanges.”

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By DMUAdmin Joseph Vitale News & Releases

07 Jun: Vitale Bill To Make Needle Exchange Permanent In New Jersey Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale that would expand the state’s sterile syringe and needle exchange program to help reduce the prevalence of transmitted bloodborne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C through shared intravenous needles was advanced today from the Senate Health, Human Services and Seniors Citizens Committee.

“The sad reality is that too many people catch sometimes-fatal diseases from sharing dirty needles before they get the help they need to clean up their lives. HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C and other bloodborne diseases are almost completely preventable in this day and age as long as people are aware of the risk factors and of the ways to prevent spreading them. A needle exchange is an imperative component of reducing transmission rates,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Related Blood Borne Pathogens. “The pilot program has had great success in helping to prevent the spread of bloodborne diseases by providing intravenous drug users with safe and sterile needles and providing access to rehabilitation programs, with 25 percent of participants enrolling in drug abuse treatment programs. I am pleased that we are able to make this program permanent and to allow all municipalities throughout New Jersey to establish needle exchanges.”

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By DMUAdmin News & Releases

25 Jan: Doria Bill Requiring Ignition Interlock For Drunk Drivers Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph V. Doria which would require that all persons convicted of a drunk driving offense install an ignition interlock device in any motor vehicle they own, lease or operate was approved by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday.

“Too often, we read in newspapers about repeat drunk drivers causing family tragedy in New Jersey by defying court-ordered license suspension and tempting fate,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson. “We cannot simply rely on the honor system to keep drivers with a history of impairment from being a danger to every legally licensed driver and pedestrian in this State. Ignition interlock devices offer a safe compromise to allow those in a household who are authorized to use a motor vehicle to do so, while keeping those under the influence, who would risk the safety of others, off our roads.”

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By DMUAdmin News & Releases

24 Jan: Girgenti Bill For Ignition Locks For Drunk Driving Offenders Advanced

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Barbara Buono which would reform New Jersey’s FamilyCare health insurance system to cover uninsured children and working poor adults was unanimously approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

“New Jersey has a moral obligation to provide for our least fortunate citizens, and the FamilyCare insurance program was designed to address that need,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Unfortunately, there remains more than 200,000 children in this State who are uninsured, despite qualifying for FamilyCare health insurance coverage. We need a higher standard and a better success rate if we’re ever going to see FamilyCare live up to its promise of universal health care coverage for all working class residents in New Jersey.”

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