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Greetings, From the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, there has been a ban on federally funded syringe exchange programs (SEPs). The current Senate Labor, Health & Human Services Appropriation Bill does not repeal that ban. The House version of the bill does lift the ban, but severely restricts the locations of these programs.The limitations in the House bill are so strict that in King County alone, it 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. The Senate is considering lifting the ban, but they are also considering adopting the House version that restricts the locations of these programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported to Congress in 1997 that SEPs are a critical part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. Congress has not heard that message until now, and the time is right for lifting the ban. 12% of new HIV infections are the result of injection drug use, according to the CDC. With federal funding for SEPs, congress can make a profound impact on the spread of the epidemic. Your Senators are key to repealing the outdated ban on funding for SEPs. Click here to tell them that you support their repeal of the ban without restriction. http://ga0.org/campaign/syringe_exchange_programs |
