Which of the following statements about clean needle exchanges is true?

Clean needle exchanges play a critical role in public health by providing intravenous drug users with sterile needles, thereby reducing the risk of bloodborne diseases such as HIV. By giving access to clean injection equipment, these programs aim to minimize sharing of needles, which is a primary method of HIV transmission among drug users.

Research has consistently shown that needle exchange programs help lower the incidence of new HIV infections, as fewer people share contaminated needles. Additionally, these programs often provide education on safe practices and may offer other health services such as counseling, drug treatment resources, and referrals to healthcare, which can further help users improve their overall health and reduce risky behaviors.

The other statements regarding clean needle exchanges do not reflect the studied outcomes and benefits of such programs. For instance, the notion that they increase drug use is not supported by evidence; many studies have shown no significant increase in drug consumption as a result of these services. Furthermore, the assertion that these programs provide only needles is misleading, as they frequently offer additional health services, healthcare referrals, and educational resources to users. Lastly, the claim that they are ineffective in reducing HIV transmission contradicts a wealth of research indicating their effectiveness in promoting public health and reducing disease spread.