December 19, 2011

Congress Bans Federal Funding for Needle Exchange Programs

Congress has restored a ban on using federal funding for syringe exchange programs, StoptheDrugWar.org reports. The ban, which was voted on as part of the 2012 federal spending package, also bans the State Department from using funds for needle exchange in international programs. Activists are now warning that the ban will increase the infection rates of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. The existing policy, signed into law by President Obama in 2009, allows states to use federal funds for syringe access when they consult with local law enforcement. That policy is credited with preventing thousands of new cases of HIV and hepatitis C. Numerous federal reports have found that increasing access to sterile syringes lowers rates of infectious diseases without increasing drug use.

To read the Stop the Drug War article, click here. 

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Previous Comments:

Eric Sins, San Antonio, 2011-12-22 21:48:20
I am so tired of hearing/reading of another program cut yet, the "hill" keeps voting on pay raises for themselves. I REALLY HATE THE EVIL PEOPLE WHO write the laws. I hope they all LIVE FOREVER IN THEIR OWN HELL!

Richard McCormick, Redwood City, 2011-12-22 20:55:00
Quite frankly, there is some whispers about population control and well the more infected people the more money Big Pharma and the medical "industry" makes off of them. Just saying the truth! It's right there in front of everyone! Folks love putting Govt and doctors on pedestals, I look at them for what the are, power and money hungry mongrels with their own interests before anyone elses, esp the little people of the world... that would be US!

carolyn, macon, 2011-12-20 21:46:45
the goverment need to stop and help people thatis in need.they just wait for it to hit home and they will know how we feel.

dbeck, TX, 2011-12-20 12:49:12
Seriously?? Someone please smack some sense into these "law" makers, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that needle exchange programs WORK; they do NOT encourage drug use, they just make it safer for those who use - keeps them from getting sick from HepC or HIV and racking up $$$$$$$$$$$ in healthcare costs. Why can't they see this?!?!?

Rosetta M., Buffalo, NY, 2011-12-20 11:18:42
They do not care about the health of other's until one of their loved ones contacts a disease....they are self centered and without any cultural sensitivity....a@#$holes....Good Night