D.C. will be
evaluated on condom distribution and needle exchanges

A nonprofit public policy organization charged with reviewing the District of Columbia's success in fighting HIV will include both condom-distribution and needle-exchange programs among the criteria it will examine in its February analysis, The Washington Post reports. The February report by the Appleseed Center for Law and Justice will come six months after the agency's original report concluded that the district's AIDS response has been inadequate, poorly coordinated, and understaffed. In addition to determining if district AIDS groups have expanded condom-distribution programs, particularly those targeting youths, and needle-exchange services, the agency also will gauge progress in the reporting of HIV data, expansion of substance-abuse services, and the implementation of routine HIV antibody testing in all doctors' offices and medical clinics in the district. (Advocate.com)