Dragon within the gates

This social history mixes an overview of the AIDS crisis with an explanation of how and why epidemics occur. As Commissioner of Health of New York City from 1986 to 1990, Dr. Joseph was in the very eye of the storm that raged over attempts to use proven public health measures to control the epidemic. He proposed testing and contact tracing of those engaging in high risk sex and the needle exchange program for intravenous drug users, measures that encountered furious political resistance. This clash between two competing values--civil rights and public health policies--remains unresolved and highly controversial today. In retelling this volatile story, Dr Joseph charts a balance between the current pain, loss, and rage with the lessons available (if they will only be learned) for the future.--From publisher description.