The science is in. Needle exchange programs are good public policy.
For decades, studies have proven that needle exchange programs reduce the spread of diseases, like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, by removing contaminated syringes from circulation.
What's more, needle exchange programs are effective and end up saving taxpayers money when compared to the lifetime cost of treating HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. A dollar invested in syringe exchange programs saves at least six dollars in avoided costs associated with HIV alone.
Finally, drug users who participate in needle exchange programs have a higher occurrence of also participating in treatment plans -- destroying the myth that such programs promote drug use and raise crime. Logic follows: If you are thinking about your health enough to get unused needles, you're probably open to ending your dependence on narcotics altogether. And, through the needle exchange program, you'll have access to healthcare professionals that can help.
Unfortunately, while federal funds may now be used to support syringe exchanges in terms of staffing and overhead, money cannot be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for illegal drug injection -- putting the burden of funding on local and state coffers that often also have restrictions on funding. In response, community health providers rely on grants to provide the service, limiting access to the program.
Intravenous drug use is on the rise. Policies that limit access to clean needles are not in the public interest. We cannot allow another community to suffer an avoidable outbreak before we act.
Tell Congress: The science is in. Needle exchange programs are good public policy. It's time to fund them.
What's more, needle exchange programs are effective and end up saving taxpayers money when compared to the lifetime cost of treating HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. A dollar invested in syringe exchange programs saves at least six dollars in avoided costs associated with HIV alone.
Finally, drug users who participate in needle exchange programs have a higher occurrence of also participating in treatment plans -- destroying the myth that such programs promote drug use and raise crime. Logic follows: If you are thinking about your health enough to get unused needles, you're probably open to ending your dependence on narcotics altogether. And, through the needle exchange program, you'll have access to healthcare professionals that can help.
Unfortunately, while federal funds may now be used to support syringe exchanges in terms of staffing and overhead, money cannot be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for illegal drug injection -- putting the burden of funding on local and state coffers that often also have restrictions on funding. In response, community health providers rely on grants to provide the service, limiting access to the program.
Intravenous drug use is on the rise. Policies that limit access to clean needles are not in the public interest. We cannot allow another community to suffer an avoidable outbreak before we act.
Tell Congress: The science is in. Needle exchange programs are good public policy. It's time to fund them.
