Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Dan Rather) Leaked White House memo regarding number of people with AIDS said greatly exaggerated by newspapers. Federal health official's comment regarding newspaper's misinterpretation of memo quoted. Report introduced.

(NYC: Harold Dow) Scenes of drug den in New York City shown. "Maria" shown injecting heroin. ["MARIA" - says she is worried about getting AIDS.] "Maria" noted a prostitute as well as a heroin addict and thereby able to spread AIDS into heterosexual population. [DEA Robert STUTMAN - says prostitutes are the gateway for AIDS into the heterosexual population.] "Gloria" shown shooting heroin. ["GLORIA" - says she shared a needle just 2 days ago.] "Gloria" noted heroin addict for years and is a link for spread of AIDS. [New York City health commissioner Dr. Stephen JOSEPH - says the substance abuse issue must be dealt with if AIDS is to be handled.] "Roberto" shown shooting drugs. ["ROBERTO" - says he does not care about anything except getting his hit of heroin.] "Roberto" being a junkie all his life and therefore promoting spread of AIDS if he contracts it discussed. [Former heroin addict Andy COHEN - shown talking about clean needles.] Controversial New York City public service announcement regarding spread of AIDS shown. [Former heroin addict/head of Damon House Drug Rehabilitation Center Bob HILTON - says drug abusers must be taught about clean needles.] Drug abusers spreading AIDS to rest of population said to be Hilton's fear. [Recovering addict "JOSE" - says afraid he has spread AIDS to his family.] [HILTON - says AIDS will affect everyone.] No. drug addicts in United States and those infected with AIDS cited.

(Studio: DR, Harold Dow) Drug abusers as link to heterosexual population and what can be done to arrest problem discussed.