Date: Tue, 21 Apr 98 19:29:24 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: NGLTF Condemns Clinton on Needle Exchange: Show Us The Money ******************************************************* NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director tconaty@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3303 voice 800/757-6476 pager 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ******************************************************* SHOW US THE MONEY TASK FORCE CONDEMNS CLINTON ADMINISTRATION ON NEEDLE EXCHANGE POLICY WASHINGTON, DC---April 20, 1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today condemned the Clinton Administration for not backing the federal funding of needle exchange programs. The administration remains steadfast in this position even while acknowledging for the first time what science has documented for some time: Needle exchange programs save lives and do not lead to increased drug addiction. "This is an unconscionable decision by the president," stated NGLTF executive director Kerry Lobel. "Haven't enough people died of AIDS?" asked Lobel. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately half of all new HIV infections each year are from contaminated needles, which translates into approximately 33 people every day contracting HIV from contaminated needles. Secretary of Health Human Services Donna Shalala is encouraging communities to seek local and state funding for needle exchange programs even though these funds are limited. In addition, it is difficult to extract such funding because of opposition among state and local elected officials. According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in 1997 there were attempts in at least eight state legislatures to fund needle exchange programs, but these bills only became law in two states -- New Mexico and Rhode Island. This year, bills supporting the establishment of needle exchange programs have been introduced in at least five states -- California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. The Colorado and Georgia measures are no longer under consideration. The others remain pending. "The president's lack of leadership is disgraceful, especially considering he knows these funds are hard to come by at the state and local level," stated Lobel. "It's time the president prioritized public health over public opinion and show us the money," she added. -30- _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .