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  • Title: Federal panel endorses needle-exchange programs.
    Journal: AIDS Policy Law; 1995 Oct 06; 10(18):1, 6, 8. PubMed ID: 11362820.
    Abstract:
    A joint panel of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine concluded that needle-exchange programs slow the spread of HIV, and recommended removal of Federal and State restrictions against the programs. The panel was created by the National Academy of Sciences, which had been directed by 1992 Congressional legislation to study effectiveness of needle-exchange programs and bleach distribution programs in the U.S. and abroad. The panel concluded that needle exchange programs increase the availability of sterile drug works and reduce HIV transmission, but do not lead to increased use of illegal drugs. Using bleach as a disinfectant was determined to be less effective. The Panel urged President Clinton to lift a Federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs, which currently operate in 55 cities in the U.S. Members also asked State governments to alter laws banning possession of drug paraphernalia and requiring prescriptions for sterile needles and syringes. The 1992 legislation empowered the Surgeon General to lift the Federal ban if the programs were found to be effective, but the decision will probably be made by Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services, since the Surgeon General post is currently vacant. However, AIDS activists do not expect Shalala to lift the ban this close to a presidential election because it would invite Republican criticisms that the President is soft on drugs.
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