Soros Increases Aid for Needle Exchange

The financier George Soros has pledged an additional $1-million to pay for the distribution of clean needles to drug addicts.

Mr. Soros’s decision was spurred in part by the Clinton Administration’s announcement that it did not support a change in federal law that would allow government money to pay for needle-exchange programs. The Administration said that although such programs have proved to be effective, it did not think it was appropriate to pay for them with federal funds.

“I challenge other philanthropic organizations, individuals, and local governments to join me in supporting these life-saving programs,” Mr. Soros said.

The funds will be distributed by the Tides Foundation in San Francisco. All grants must be matched equally with money from other sources. In August, Mr. Soros also pledged $1-million for needle-exchange programs. Those funds have already been disbursed.

For more information, contact Peter Teague, Program Officer, the Tides Foundation, P.O. Box 29903, San Francisco 94129-0903; (415) 561-6323.