New York, NY —

New Jersey's first needle-exchange program has been stopped before it even gets started. WNYC's Kathryn Herzog reports.

An appeals court has temporarily halted needle-exchange programs set up last fall by former Governor McGreevey. The Governor allowed up to three cities to establish the experimental programs by declaring HIV/AIDS a public health emergency.

Advocates of needle exchange programs say they cut down on the spread of HIV/AIDS by providing intravenous drug users with clean syringes. Two of the programs were scheduled to start July 1st in Atlantic City and Camden.

A group of New Jersey lawmakers and others challenged the exchange program, saying it is same as approving drug use. Thirty-nine states, including New York, already offer similar programs.