First, some basic information. NEPP is funded until March 31, 1990. At time of writing, no one is certain whether Mayor Dinkins will retain it. Although designed as a research experiment for 200 addicts, NEPP served 295 clients by December 1989. Clients leave active status when they enter drug treatment or are out of contact with the programme for more than ten working days.
NEPP clients are limited to receiving one sterile needle per visit.
Originally, the programme expected to be able to exchange at least five needles per client, but outside political forces got this reduced to one. Our clients are curious and adventurous people. Since drug treatment placement often takes a single visit, NEPP is in direct contact with clients for an average of one to three days. Project director Eaton is the principal source of information for this article because he has the most comprehensive experience with its operation. Despite the brouhaha with which it was instituted, the programme has operated quietly.