The South Bronx is the epicenter of the dual epidemics of HIV infection and the use of drugs by injection in the United States. For example, deaths related to HIV and Hepatitis among people who use drugs by injection are most prevalent among Latinos and African Americans, who live in the Bronx. If Congress granted federal funds to be used for needle exchange programs, then we might be able to increase the resources available in this area of public health, and consequently reduce the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C. It has already been proven scientifically that needle exchange programs and removal of syringes are effective methods in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

It is time to eliminate the regressive ban that has cost many lives since 1988. Congress has not allowed federal funds to go toward needle exchange programs even though they have been scientifically tested and found to be effective. By making needles available to active users through these programs, we have been able to dramatically reduce the spread of diseases without increasing the use of drugs. For example, in areas where these programs exist, the HIV infection rates have dropped drastically – by almost 80 percent – among drug users, when they received clean needles and were referred to other vital services. Former President Bill Clinton said that he had made a mistake during his presidency by not eliminating the ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs.

The South Bronx, the poorest congressional district in the country, and represented by Congressman José Serrano (D-District 16), has three of the largest needle exchange programs in the entire state of New York. While we thank Congressman Serrano for his exemplary leadership in the effort to eliminate the ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs, we urge him to take the governmental initiative to remove the language in two bills currently in the House of Representatives.

The language in these bills will continue the ban already in existence; the language specifically states that federal needle exchange programs would operate in a way that actually makes them illegal in many parts of the country. For example, the language describes prohibiting the programs from operating at thousands of high schools, universities, parks, playgrounds, daycare centers, elementary schools, public pools and other institutions. Needle exchange programs would very likely need to be located in the woods, but what use would that have in an urban area? We live in a city and we know the realities of it. Needle exchange programs offer real solutions, with active community members involved. Looking away from the problem doesn't solve anything.

Needle exchange programs are part of our communities and they provide participants with a variety of services – new needles, removal of materials, counseling, and referrals to support and health services – that strengthen and benefit the communities where they are located. If this legislation with its limiting language passes, no needle exchange program will be able to operate on federal funds in the city of New York, including our programs in the Bronx. This would be a tragedy. Congressman Serrano, we urge you to continue advocating for a solid healthcare system, and to remove that restrictive language from the legislation.