PI Action alerts & updates ... 1998

Last Opportunity to Stop Permanent Ban
on Federal Needle Exchange Funding

Calls and letters to your U.S. Senators needed immediately!

On April 20, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala made her long awaited declaration on federal funding for needle exchange programs. The Secretary announced that there is clear scientific evidence that needle exchange programs reduce the spread of HIV and do not increase illegal drug use. However, the Clinton Administration has stated that it will continue the ban on using federal funds for these lifesaving programs.

A few days following this disappointing announcement, the House of Representatives voted 287– for a permanent ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs. This would mean that only Congress, not the Secretary of Health and Human Services, could release these funds in the future. Such a law would make it extremely difficult to ever obtain federal dollars for needle exchange programs.

This issue is now moving to the Senate, and will be considered first by the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. If this bill is defeated in committee, or on the Senate floor, there is still a chance to stop a permanent ban on federal needle exchange funding. Your calls and letters to your two U.S. Senators are needed to ensure that the authority for releasing federal funds remains with public health experts and not politicians!

Action Needed:
Call or email your two U.S. Senators immediately with the following message:

Urge them to support the strong protections included in H.R. 2723 and to reject the inadequate protections and coverage in S. 1344. Ask them to convey their support to members of the conference committee. If your Representative or Senator is on the conference committee (see enclosed list), it is extremely important that you contact him or her as soon as possible.

You can use the sample phone message and letter below to help craft your message.

Sample Phone Message:

“I urge Senator _________ to oppose S. 1959, which would codify the ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs. This is a public health issue and must not be held hostage by politics.”

Sample letter Opposing Needle Exchange Funding Ban:

The Honorable _________________
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator ________________

I urge you to oppose S. 1959, which would permanently ban federal funding for needle exchange programs. This type of legislation only politicizes an issue that should be addressed by public health officials.

Insert a personal statement here. If you have any experience with syringe exchange programs, mention that here. Otherwise, you might write about the importance of bold prevention programs in your community or geographic region.

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there has been no measurable decrease in the rate of new HIV infections, over half of which are directly or indirectly related to intravenous drug use. Instead of legislating a permanent ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs, Congress should work to reduce new infections by increasing HIV prevention funding.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Your name

You can reach your Senators through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

If possible, follow up with a written letter. Many elected officials have indicated that they are not receiving letters in support of needle exchange funding. Enclosed is a sample letter to help craft your message.

Please distribute this Alert widely and encourage others to contact their Senators!

Please let us know that you responded to this Alert by either mailing or faxing us a copy of your letter, emailing us at TAN@projectinform.org, or calling Ryan Clary at 415-558-8669 x224.

Thank you for your efforts!!