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Congress passes resolution against needle exchange programs
Congresses passes concurrent resolution stating that any proposal to distribute needles to drug addicts in order to curb the spread of AIDS should be rejected and the AIDS policy of the Federal Government should include a strong public education component and discourage behavior which has been shown to increase exposure to the AIDS virus
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Whitman-Walker awarded funds for needle exchange program
The Washington AIDS Partnership awards Whitman-Walker a grant to begin a needle exchange program. The Clinic launches one the following year.
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National Coalition to Save Lives Now! rallies at U.S. HHS
September 17, between 500 and 1000 needle exchange advocates rallied at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human (HHS) Services, to protest HHS Secretary Donna Shalala and President Clinton's inaction on lifting the ban on federal funding of needle exchange programs. The rally was organized by the National Coalition to Save Lives Now! Link -
Prevention Works! Inc. is created
Congress passes a District budget with restrictions on federal funding for organizations conducting needle exchange programs. In response, an independent corporation is incorporated to fill the need: Prevention Works Inc.
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Ban on use of federal and District funds for needle exchange programs
FY 1999 - FY 2007 bans are in place that restrict the use of federal and District funds for needle exchange programs. -
Prohibition of federal and District funds for needle exchange program enacted
Section 170 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY 1999 prohibited the use of federal and District funds for needle exchange programs.
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Congress bans use of funds for needle exchange
Appropriations Act continues ban on funding needle exchange programs and also stipulates heavy restriction on where privately funded needle exchange programs can take place.
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Congress begins to move toward evidence-based practices for NEP's
Congress passes amendment stating, "any policy... relating to syringe exchange programs for intravenous drug users shall be based on the best available medical and scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness in promoting individual health and preventing the spread of infectious disease, and their impact on drug addiction and use. Link -
Eleanor Norton declares ban caused deaths
"This is the worst example of political disempowerment and abuse of the city," said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). "It's a life-and-death matter and a public health matter. There is no question that countless deaths have occurred because of this attachment."
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$1 million dollars pledged for syringe exchanges
D.C. Health Director Gregg A. Pane pledged $1 million in District funds for syringe exchanges.
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$650,000 Invested in Needle Exchange Programs
The District will invest $650,000 in needle exchange programs. Prevention Works! will receive a $300,000 city grant and the remaining $350,000 will go toward developing additional needle exchange programs.
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Religious leaders come out in support of needle exchange programs
After Congress lifted the ban on local funding for needle exchange in the District of Columbia, various religious scholars and theologians urged Congress to help save lives by repealing the national ban that prohibits states from using their share of federal HIV/AIDS prevention money on needle exchange programs.
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Washington Post reports on injection-drug use
Washington Post reports that an estimated 10,000 persons are injection-drug users in the District. Link -
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Ban on use of District funds for needle exchange programs lifted.
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Washington Post reports on restrictions for needle exchange programs
The proposed bill allowing federal monies to assist needle distribution programs included restrictions stating that the money can not be used for programs operating within 1,000 feet of day-care centers, schools, parks, playgrounds, pools and youth centers.
AIDS Action reported that no part of the city would be eligible for funding under these restrictions.
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Prevention Works! has budget deficit
Washington Post reports that Prevention Works!' budget shortfall had caused the organization to run out of rubber gloves, antibiotic ointment, and diabetic needles. There was also no money for payroll or the mobile exchange unit.
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Prevention Works! to close.
Washington Post reports that despite distributing nearly 100,000 clean syringes in the last year, budget shortfalls were forcing Prevention Works! to close.
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$1 million committed to fund needle exchange programs.
After Congress passed a bill to prevent any future administration from lifting the ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs, George Soros committed another million dollars to fund needle exchange.
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Obama Administration issues a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP)
The Statement included language objecting to the provision that would prohibit the use of federal funds to support the District’s needle exchange program, noting that the restriction “is contrary to current law and the Administration’s policy to allow funds to be used in locations where local authorities deem needle exchange programs to be effective and appropriate.” Link -
Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) and 25 others demand change
Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) and 25 cosponsors filed a bill that would remove all restrictions on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs.
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