"The exchange meets the mutual goals of HIV and drug abuse prevention," she stated.

Two members of the audience who have worked for exchange problems said they agree with her views.

"The number one question we get at our needle exchange is where people can get treatment," said Liz Highleyman, a member of Boston's "I.V. League."

Patricia Case, a doctoral student at the School of Public Health and a former member of San Francisco's Prevention Point, said exchange is often the "first life-affirming step in a career of drugs."

Sullivan said that the Massachusetts legislature recently passed a bill requesting the implementation of a pilot needle exchange program. Currently such programs are illegal in the state.

The Ways and Means Committee is considering the bill at present and will report its decision next week.