End the Ban

Help Us End the Ban on the Use of Federal Funds for Syringe Services Programs!

 


According to an overwhelming body of evidence, needle and syringe services programs not only reduce the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases, but also save money, encourage the safe disposal of syringes, minimize the risk of needlestick injuries to law enforcement officials, and help give people who inject drugs access to vital drug treatment services. 

In spite of the strong evidence in favor of these cost-effective public health programs, the use of federal funds to support syringe exchange programs is banned. Join us in urging lawmakers to end the ban.

 

Here’s what you can do:

 

  • View our short film, The Exchange, and share it with others:
     
     
  • Contact your members of Congress and tell them you believe the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange is anti-science and anti-public health, and needs to be removed.
     

  • Learn about this important issue:

issue-brief-small 

 Issue Brief: Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health (March 2013)  

map small 

Map of Syringe Exchange Programs in the U.S. (April 2012)  

fact sheet small 

Fact Sheet: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Syringe Exchange (March 2013)  

twin epidemics small 

The Twin Epidemics of HIV and Drug Use: Innovative Strategies for Healthy Communities, co-produced with the International AIDS Society (December 2012)  

Press release: New amfAR Film Makes Powerful Case for Syringe Services Programs 

The Exchange was directed by Naftali Beane Rutter and produced by waterbound pictures.