AIDS Activism Victory!: Congress Lifts Syringe Exchange Funding Ban
Housing Works staffer Johnny Guaylupo was arrested fighting for the end of the syringe exchange ban
In a huge victory for HIV and hepatitis C prevention efforts, Congress officially lifted the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange on Sunday. Syringe exchange programs have been shown to dramatically reduce HIV and hepatitis C infections without leading to increased drug use. For years, however, fearful Congressional leaders ignored the facts and put ideology ahead of science.
This victory is the result of decades of fighting by AIDS advocates, including Housing Works. In July, Housing Works staffers, including President and CEO Charles King, were arrested in the Capitol rotunda, in part to protest the funding ban.
Once President Obama signs the legislation into law, the next step is fighting for more federal funding for syringe exchange and other harm reduction services.
Read more about Housing Works’ prevention services, including syringe exchange.
Make a donation to support the advocacy efforts of Housing Works.
Posted on December 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm
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