Pubdate: Sun, 17 May 2015
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1
Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388

AS HIV SPREADS, GOP UNLIKELY TO FUND NEEDLE SWAPS

WASHINGTON - In 1988, archconservative Sen. Jesse Helms successfully 
pushed Congress to prohibit federal dollars from being used to 
distribute sterile syringes to intravenous drug users, equating an 
effort meant to slow the spread of AIDS and other diseases to federal 
endorsement of drug abuse.

Now, with a severe outbreak of HIV and hepatitis due to a surge in 
heroin use in states including Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia, 
the question of whether to let federal money support needle exchanges 
is back. Still, in contrast to a new willingness by state politicians 
to accept needle exchanges, Congress appears unlikely to overturn the 
moratorium even with drug problems hitting hard in states represented 
by those responsible for the spending bills that impose the ban.

Rep. Harold Rogers, the Republican chairman of the House 
Appropriations Committee, has seen drug addiction spread in his rural 
district in southeastern Kentucky, leading him to direct money home 
for both treatment and law enforcement. But a spokeswoman says he 
remains opposed to needle exchanges, which he considers a matter of 
local discretion.

"He continues to support the ban on the use of federal funds for 
needle exchange programs," said the spokeswoman, Jennifer Hing. She 
added that Rogers intended "to focus federal resources on education 
and treatment programs that support communities in their drive to end 
the cycle of dependency."

Though evidence has mounted that needle exchanges are effective, they 
have remained anathema to many politicians, particularly Republicans 
who have long framed opposition as an essential element of their 
antidrug image.

"As Republicans, we don't want to look like we are facilitating drug 
use," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the appropriations 
subcommittee that distributes health funding. "We want to get you 
help, but we want to do other things."

While expressing reservations, Cole acknowledged that public funding 
of needle exchanges could be more cost effective than the potential 
public expense of treating increasing numbers of AIDS and hepatitis cases.

To some Democrats, there is no question that the ban should be eliminated.

"We should lift the ban," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. "Health, 
and not ideology, should be the determining factor."

- - NEW YORK TIMES
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom