The Truth about Needle Exchange Prorams

Their is a background and history on needle exchange programs that most people are completely unaware of. As of June 2001 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that around one million individuals are living with HIV in the United States. They also reported that there had been 753, 907 actual cases of in the U.S. More importantly 25 percent of these cases are credited to risk factors related to the use of injecting drugs. On top of all that 36 percent of all AIDS cases are related to the use of injecting drugs. It has been Estimated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that as around 2.4 million Americans are "injecting drug users."

There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that shows Needle Exchange programs work. They are preventing the spread of HIV and do not in any way promote substance abuse. Unfortunately, when I spoke to some of the faculty at HIV Alliance (Jeff), they informed me that until now congress had restricted the  use of federal funds for needle exchange programs. Around 1989, congress feared that needle exchange programs would encourage substance abuse by sending the message that injecting drugs is endorsed and promoted through the distribution of unused needles (Aids Action). This way of thinking in some ways still prevails although it has been proven untrue.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the authority to say whether or not Needle exchange programs prevent the spread of HIV. In 1988, then secretary of the HHS certified that based on thorough research needle exchange programs (like the one at HIV Alliance) are an effective part of a strategy to prevent the transmission of HIV through the use of injectable drugs and does not encourage the use of illegal drugs.

According to Aids Action Organization, in 1983 the first needle exchange started in Europe. Amsterdam recognized that it would be near impossible to completely eliminate drug use, so they introduced the needle exchange program to reduce the spread of hepatitis B and HIV among people who inject drugs and their partners. an important thing to remember about needle exchange programs is that they are not needle distribution programs. A person must bring a used needle in to receive an unused needle. As of 2001 there were 113 needle exchange programs in the U.S., in addition to the needle exchange these programs also offer referrals for treatment and peer education and HIV prevention programs.

There have been numerous studies in the united states that have proved needle exchange programs are effective in reducing the spread of HIV through people who inject drugs. It has been shown in multiple cities that when a needle exchange program closed it led to an increase in sharing needles and other used equipment among people who inject drugs. These programs are important because they contribute to the 80 percent reduction of "risk behavior" (sharing equipment) among people who inject drugs. These programs also contribute to the 30 percent (or more) reduction in the transmission of HIV transmission all together.

AIDS Action reported that Dr. Don C. Des Jarlais has wrote multiple scientific reports that demonstrate over and over again that needle exchange programs prevent the transmission of HIV. He conducted his research in 7 different  locations and in each one he has found the same results, the programs reduce transmission and actually encourage people who inject drugs to seek treatment.

In short, needle exchange programs save lives. Incorporated as a part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, these programs are effective, inexpensive and necessary. Also, they do not encourage the use of injectable drugs.