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SERRANO BILL WOULD CUT HIV INFECTIONS AMONG INJECTION DRUG USERS
Bill Introduced Today by Congressman Serrano Would Repeal Federal Funding Ban on Syringe Exchange Programs
New York, NY — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) applauds the introduction of the Community AIDS Prevention Act of 2008 by Congressman Jose Serrano (D-Bronx). This legislation would take scientifically-proven prevention techniques in the fight against HIV/AIDS and allow every jurisdiction throughout the nation to utilize life-saving syringe exchange programs with the assistance of the federal government.
Intravenous drug use remains one of the main modes of HIV transmission, attributing to 20% of new HIV infections in 2006 alone. The Community AIDS Prevention Act would allow for the first-time federal dollars to fund syringe exchange programs and lift the draconian ban on such funding. Syringe exchange programs are already at work in 36 states nationwide, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and have substantially reduced the incidence of transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C through I.V. drug use. In New York City, HIV transmission through needle sharing has dropped 78% since syringe exchange programs were instituted in 1990.
Studies have shown that drug use does not increase simply by supplying clean needles. In fact, syringe exchange programs allow community-based organizations and government to reach out to drug users, and connect them to treatment programs.
"This bill signals the end of an era by replacing the old ideological way of doing things with scientifically-proven prevention methods that truly tackle this public health dilemma," stated Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis. "GMHC commends Congressman Serrano for his continued courage in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for focusing specifically on those living with drug addiction."
GMHC joins other AIDS organizations throughout the country in encouraging Members of Congress to support this critical legislation. Swift passage of this bill will undoubtedly save thousands of lives.
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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