The Human Rights Campaign is disappointed that the committee needlessly delayed the secretary's authority. The science exists right now to demonstrate that needle exchange programs are effective and do not increase illegal drug use. This delay will only mean that more people will become HIV-infected.

HRC has called on Shalala to issue a report immediately stating that needle exchange programs are effective and do not increase illegal drug use. This would lay the groundwork for her approval of the use of federal funds on March 31.

Needle exchange programs provide intravenous drug users with sterile syringes in exchange for used ones. Such programs have been implemented in more than 100 communities around the country, and have been shown to stem the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases transmitted through the sharing of injection equipment.

Approximately one-third of reported AIDS cases are related to intravenous drug use.

In February, a report by HHS found that needle exchange programs are effective in slowing the spread of HIV and AIDS. Six federally funded studies have reported that needle exchange programs reduce HIV transmission and do not increase drug use.

Also in February, a panel of public health experts at the National Institutes of Health concluded that needle exchange programs are a powerful and proven weapon in the war against HIV and AIDS.

In July, the American Medical Association endorsed needle exchange programs, joining such groups as the American Public Health Association, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The American Bar Association endorsed them in August.

Plus, a majority of the American public -- 55 percent -- favors needle exchange programs as a method to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, according to a bipartisan poll conducted for the Human Rights Campaign.

Act Now

Call Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and urge her to issue a report immediately stating that needle exchange programs are effective and do not increase illegal drug use.

Secretary Shalala's office can be reached at (202) 690-7000. Or write to her at the Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20201.

Then, urge your U.S. senators and representative to consider the scientific evidence and support Shalala's authority to allow federal funds to go to local communities for responsible needle exchange programs.

Call your senators and representative through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. If you aren't sure who your members of Congress are, just ask the switchboard operator and you will be informed and then connected.

You can also send electronic messages to Congress through the Human Rights Campaign's online action center at http://www.hrc.org. Write to Congress through the mail as well. Include your name and address, and send your politely worded letter to:

The Honorable _______ The Honorable _______

U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515