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Needle Exchange History
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First NEP
Drug Watch International Position Statement - NEEDLE HANDOUTS TO ADDICTS Needle exchange programs began in 1984 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, started by a drug-user advocacy group called the Junkie Union. -
First needle exchange program in the U.S.
Jon Parker helps open the first illegal needle exchange program in New Haven, Conneticuit after hearing about the successes in Europe. This was to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, a disease that emerged in the early 1980's. Past/Future - Needle Exchange Programs -
First official NEP in the US to provide comprehensive services
Established in Tacoma, WA in 1988. -
Ban on Federal Funding is implemented
1988, NC Republican Senator Jesse Helms sponsored a ban on using federal funds for NEP's. -
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Ban on Federal Funding of NEP's is effective
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New Haven conducts survey
A total of 26,789 sterile syringes were handed out to 1,091 program participants from November 1990 to December 1991 (Heimer 215). About 57 percent of the program syringes were returned, which is considered normal based on the rates of returned syringes of other programs. During this time the percentage of HIV positive syringes dropped from nearly 64 percent to about 48 percent. -
First De-regulation
A Public Emergency - Legal Issues Surrounding Syringe Exchange Programs Connecticut became the first state to deregulate and allow over-the-counter purchase of syringes at pharmacies. -
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Clinton's Policy
The Clinton administration agreed that NEPs do not encourage drug use and help stop the spread of HIV yet refused to lift the ban on funding in 1998. -
NEP's make progress
The Public Health Impact of Needle Exchange Programs in the United States and Abroad Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations As of September 1, 1993 there are at least 37 NEPs operating in
30 US cities. In addition, we are aware of three states (Florida,
Minnesota, and Arkansas) and two cities (Cincinnati, OH and
Baltimore, MD) that are considering opening programs -
There are at least 37 NEPs operating in 30 US cities.
In addition, we are aware of three states (Florida,
Minnesota, and Arkansas) and two cities (Cincinnati, OH and
Baltimore, MD) that are considering opening programs. -
Study shows NEP's success
A study done by the National Institute of
Health showed that NEPs do not encourage new drug users. -
Financial cost without NEP's
In 1997, approximately $833 million of government money was spent to treat people infected with HIV as a result of IV drug use. -
Obama's Promise
Obama made statement in his campaign in support of needle exchange as a proven means of reducing transmission of AIDS and other diseases among drug users. -
AIDS Prevention Act
Bill of the Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention (CAHP) Act of 2009 introduced. -
Obama's Ban Continued
Obama decided to continue the federal needle exchange ban in the President’s Budget. -
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TX legislature will meet again to hopefully discuss NEP's
Sifting the Haystack The Texas legislature will not meet again for a regular session until January 2013.
