Much like the preventative health measures which are offered in the form of state subsidized needle programs, there currently exist programs in American high schools and middle schools that provide condoms to young persons. These measures have been implemented in a concerted effort to help reduce the risk of infection associated with the human immunodeficiency virus along with other sexually transmitted diseases, and for preventing unintended pregnancy in the form of contraception. (Kirby and Brown) Since there is substantial evidence showing a correlation between increased usage of condoms and teenagers and a downfall in sexually transmitted infections, it is a reasonable assumption to venture that providing individuals with clean needles for intravenous use will have a positive effect in reducing infection.

             Previously conducted research in American school districts strongly showed that there has been a significant rise in the usage of condoms by teenagers, predominantly due to the fear of AIDS (“Teen sexual risk behavior news is both good and bad.”) When condoms were made more easily available to students, either as a result of school policy or the type or size of school, more condoms were procured by students in these settings. (Kirby and Brown) Students attending schools with distribution programs are also more likely to receive information from key personnel regarding HIV-related topics than individuals whose schools do not provide condoms. (“Sexual Behavior is Safer When Students Can Get Condoms At Their Schools.”)  

            In a 4 year state-wide study, researchers in Massachusetts conducted a broad based survey of high school students. Their conclusion was that in making condoms available (which was resultant from the socioenvironmental support for condom use) there was a possibility for improvement in HIV prevention practices. The extensive data clearly supported that sexually active adolescents in schools where a program was implemented were twice as likely to use condoms during their most recent encounters, when compared to students whose schools did not offer the programs. (Blake, Ledsky, Goodenow, Sawyer, Lohmann, and Windsor)

             Similar to the case of providing needles, an argument may be made by opponents that providing the entity encourages the negative behavior being assesses. A 1994 study conducted in Boston, Massachusetts addressed this concern. The sample population was a group of Hispanic adolescents considered to be at high risk for developing HIV/AIDS. The disclosure of results demonstrated that there was no distinguishable link between condoms being provided to the participants and an increase in sexual activity. (Sellers, McGraw, McKinley) This fact was also raised in the previously cited study from Massachusetts high schools, in their  report’s Discussion section. (Blake, Ledsky, Goodenow, Sawyer, Lohmann, and Windsor) 

            In comparison to passing legislation for the inception of a state-sponsored clean needle program. William Pena, a counselor in the town of Tulue in Colmbia, advocated that adolescent males be required by law to carry condoms, much like the law forcing individuals to have present on them at all time a national I.D. card. There were a reported 14 deaths in his tow from the prior year, all the result of sexually transmitted diseases. In a country like Colombia, where sexual activity is rampant, sexually transmitted diseases and infections are an epidemiological nightmare. Enacting such legislation, would provide strong backing in an effort to curve (and eventually cap) the destruction being laid forth by ravaging maladies. ("Teenage condom law planned.(Brief Article).")

The evidence previously presented lays out a clear pattern, that preventative health measures, sponsored by responsible government, can go a long way in increasing the quality of life for individuals who might possibly be affected by a disease. Drug addiction is also a horrendous disease plaguing the citizens of our country. By introducing programs which give clean needles to users much like condoms being provided to sexually active youth, there is a strong possibility that a positive outcome might be reached in the form of reduced disease and infection as a result of risky behaviors.

(Picture source: http://www.northernlife.ca/feedstream/
frontend/authors/author_14/log_87511/11Ma_Sexed_Med.jpg - doctor)

(Picture source: http://www.unilatex.com/Color-Flavor-Condoms.jpg - picture of condoms)