Date: Wed, 20 Aug 97 18:28:10 EDT From: "communications" Subject: HRC Release: Support for Needle Exchange Continues To Rise ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: hrc@hrc.org WWW: http://www.hrc.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1997 PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS CONTINUES TO RISE Many Noted National Organizations Recognize Efficacy WASHINGTON -- Needle exchange programs continue to gain support among responsible Americans as mounting scientific evidence shows they are an effective way to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, according to the Human Rights Campaign. "From the American Medical Association to the American Bar Association, respected professional and public health organizations are lining up behind these programs because they save lives without increasing drug use," said Kim Mills, an HRC spokeswoman. Needle exchange programs provide intravenous drug users with sterile syringes in exchange for used ones. Such programs have been implemented in more than 100 communities around the country, and have been shown to stem the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases transmitted through the sharing of injection equipment. Approximately one-third of reported AIDS cases are related to intravenous drug use. In February, a report by the Department of Health and Human Services found that needle exchange programs are effective in slowing the spread of HIV and AIDS. Six federally funded studies have reported that needle exchange programs reduce HIV transmission and do not increase drug use. Also in February, a panel of public health experts at the National Institutes of Health concluded that needle exchange programs are a powerful and proven weapon in the war against HIV and AIDS. Plus, a majority of the American public -- 55 percent -- favors needle exchange programs as a method to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, according to a bipartisan poll conducted for the Human Rights Campaign. The poll found 55 percent "strongly favor" or "somewhat favor" needle exchange programs while 38 percent "somewhat oppose" or "strongly oppose" them. The poll was conducted for HRC by the Tarrance Group, a Republican firm, and Lake Sosin Snell and Associates, Democratic pollsters. The results are based on a survey of 1,000 registered voters contacted between April 8-10. The poll found that 64 percent of Democrats, 58 percent of independents and 45 percent of Republicans favor needle exchange programs. In addition, needle exchange finds support in ever region of the country, with 64 percent of Americans favoring it in the West, 60 percent in the Northeast, 51 percent in the South and 49 percent in the Midwest. The poll's margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent. Earlier this month, the American Bar Association endorsed the use of needle exchange programs, joining such groups as the American Public Health Association, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. "Science should drive the debate over needle exchange programs and their efficacy," Mills said. "But we hope members of Congress and the administration will heed this message from their constituents and work together to allow federal funds to be used for these life-saving programs." By law, federal funds may not be used for needle exchange programs unless the Department of Health and Human Services gives the green light, which it has not done. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - 30 -