Funding Would Give D.C. Tool in HIV Fight
By Darryl Fears
The House on Friday approved a bill that would lift the 21-year ban on using federal money for needle exchange programs, a move that could give the District and other cities more flexibility in their efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among intravenous drug users.
"This is the first time in over 20 years that we are on the verge of recognition by the federal government of the proven cost-effectiveness and impact of syringe exchange as a very important tool for prevention of HIV infection and viral hepatitis," said Ronald Johnson, deputy executive director of AIDS Action, a Washington-based advocacy group. "Allowing the local community to use federal funds is very critical to stopping these epidemics."
But the bill, sponsored by Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), includes a restriction against using the money to assist any program that distributes needles within 1,000 feet of day-care centers, schools, parks, playgrounds, pools and youth centers. The House approved the measure, 264 to 153.
The District's annual appropriations bill, which passed the House on July 15, also would prohibit the city from using the money provided by the federal government for needle exchange programs near such locations.
AIDS Action said no part of the city would be eligible for a needle exchange program if the restrictions are approved.
"AIDS Action will have to continue to fight to remove the restrictions so D.C. can make its own decisions" on how to spend local and federal money, said William McColl, political director for the group. ....
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