Public health workers and researchers were among those who voiced concerns yesterday about regulations the Allegheny County Board of Health has proposed to oversee needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users.

Requiring exchangers to divulge their names, addresses and phone numbers and to disclose information about their HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C status will discourage use of the services, said Renee Cox, executive director of Prevention Point Pittsburgh.

The regulations also would prohibit users from giving clean syringes, needles and other equipment to others, a limitation that would further undermine the program's goal of preventing the spread of dangerous infectious diseases, she said.

Written comments about the regulations, which can be viewed at www.achd.com, may be sent until June 30 to the Allegheny County Board of Health, 3333 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15213; by e-mail to boh@achd.net; or by fax to 412-578-8325.