TRENTON — The state's five-year-old syringe exchange pilot program would become permanent and expanded to any town that wants to participate under a bill passed by the state Senate this evening.

The Senate voted 25-12 for the measure (S2001), which was also introduced Monday in the state Assembly

The program had been active in Atlantic City, Newark, Camden, Jersey City and Paterson.

A state health department report in 2010 said nearly 4,500 intravenous drug users participated in the programs from 2007 to 2009, and 1,000 people entered drug treatment.

"One in four persons who participate in the program are now in treatment. Not thinking about going into treatment — they're in treatment," said state Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), the bill's sponsor. "It's been an amazingly successful program."

The bill appropriates $95,000 for the program.

Related coverage:

• By freeing syringe sales, Christie makes another sensible move