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Senate Labor, Health & Human Services Appropriation Bill

From the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, there has been a ban on federally funded needle exchange programs. The current Senate Labor, Health & Human Services Appropriation Bill does not repeal that ban, in clear contradiction to CDC recommendations. Tell me more

Talking Points

-According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12% of all new HIV infections are the result of injection drug use. -In 1997 the CDC reported to Congress that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) can be an effective part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, but only now is Congress paying attention. -This year, the House bill would repeal the SEP ban, but the Senate does not.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

Thank you for supporting the historic step of removing the ban on federal funding for needle and syringe exchange programs (SEPs).  Public health advocates and service providers across the country greatly appreciate your leadership and your willingness to stand up for evidence-based public health practices.

In 1997 the Centers for Disease Control and prevention reported to Congress that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) can be an effective part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, but only now is Congress paying attention.

According to the CDC, 12% of all new HIV infections and the vast majority of Hepatitis C infections are the result of injection drug use. By lifting this ban you could drastically slow the spread of the epidemic.

I would also ask that you and the committee not adopt the House version of the repeal, which would restrict SEPs within 1,000 feet of schools, universities, playgrounds, video arcades or youth centers or an event sponsored by these organizations. In King County alone, that would prevent 74% of current SEPs from being able to access federal funds. In 20 years of operation, King County has had no problems related to siting proximity with youth programs, even though 3/4 of our programming falls within the proposed limit. In addition, the current distance restrictions would also prevent every SEP in New York City, San Francisco and Washington, DC from being able to use these funds.

I support revocation of the federal ban on federal funding for SEPs and removal of restrictions on how local authorities use these funds to combat HIV and hepatitis in their communities. Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]