President Obama and Congress Remove Federal Ban on Syringe Exchange Programs

New York, New York — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) commends President Obama for removing the federal ban on funding for syringe exchange programs.  Congress acted to repeal the ban, in effect since 1988, over the past several months as part of the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bills.
 
Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) have been recognized by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to produce substantial health benefits by reducing the spread of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis B and C.  The removal of the federal ban on funding for SEPs is a great step forward as research has shown that syringe exchange programs are associated with a dramatic decline in the rate of HIV transmission among intravenous drug users, as well as a greater likelihood of HIV testing and counseling.  Furthermore, SEPs often help drug users get into treatment for substance abuse.
 
"Removal of the federal ban on syringe exchange programs funding is a victory for science and the fight against HIV," said Marjorie Hill Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at GMHC. "We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that federal funding to support syringe exchange programs is appropriately allocated to communities in need, and that successful program models are made available to providers," added Hill.
 
For more information about syringe exchange programs in the United States and globally, please download GMHCs two reports:

• Syringe exchange programs around the world: The global context (PDF)

• Syringe Exchange: An effective tool in the fight against HIV and drug abuse (PDF)
  

 
Also included in the legislation signed into law today was an appropriation in the amount of $1.5 million for youth and workforce development programs at GMHC.  Youth comprise a large proportion of new cases of HIV infection in the U.S.  In 2006 the CDC reported that about 34% of new HIV cases in the U.S. were among people aged 13-29.  In New York City, HIV among young gay and bisexual men has increased dramatically in this decade.
 
"This funding will help expand our workforce development programs to young people at high risk for HIV infection," said Dr. Hill.  "By helping young people attain economic self-sufficiency, we can strengthen resilience against infection," added Hill.
 
GMHC thanks the following members of the New York City delegation that supported this federal appropriation: Congressmen Nadler, Rangel, Weiner, Towns, Meeks, Engel, Congresswoman Clarke, and Senator Schumer.