BUSINESS WIRE; Thursday, April 23, 1998

The demonstration was called in response to the Clinton Administration's announcement this past Monday that the Administration would not allow federal money to be used to fund needle exchange programs, even though Administration scientists have concluded that needle exchange prevents transmission of HIV and does not encourage drug use. The demonstration was called by ACT UP Golden Gate and ACT UP East Bay.

The demonstration will be immediately proceeded by a press conference at 9:30 AM in front of Zellerbach Hall. Speakers will include Ricky Blumenthal, president of Oakland Needle Exchange; Yvonne "Bunny" Knuckles, an African-American woman with HIV; Matthew Sharp, a person living with AIDS and member of ACT UP Golden Gate; Reverend Dr. Harold Cottman, board member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation HIV Prevention Project; Oakland City Councilor Nate Miley; and Berkeley Vice-Mayor Maudelle Shirek.

The Administration's decision not to fund needle exchange programs after finally acknowledging their effectiveness, shocked and angered scientists and AIDS prevention workers across the country. "The Clinton Administration has blood on its hands," said Hank Wilson of ACT UP Golden Gate. "The research is in folks: Needle exchange prevents HIV transmission! To admit that these programs work and then refuse to fund them is outrageous."

Scientists estimate that 50 to 60 percent of all new HIV infections can be traced to dirty needles, either directly through needle sharing or by sexual transmission to the wives, lovers and sex partners of drug injectors -- 33 new infections every day according to estimates. The African-American and Latino communities have been hardest hit by needle-related HIV transmission, and the vast majority of children born with the deadly virus are born to mothers infected either through needle-sharing or through sex with a man who was infected by a contaminated needle.

The need for federal funding for needle exchange is urgent. According to the North American Syringe Exchange Network, only 25% of the 134 needle exchange programs operating in the U.S. and its territories have funds adequate to meet the needs in their communities. Many parts of the U.S. have no needle exchange programs.

"The cowardice of the administration is stunning," declared Peggy Taylor Campbell of ACT UP Golden Gate. "They're saying: 'We know how to save lives, but we won't do it because we don't have the political courage.' If Donna Shalala has any integrity she should resign. General McCaffery and Bill Clinton have the blood of thousands of men, women, and children on their hands."

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CONTACT: ACT UP Golden Gate Scott Carroll, 415/841-6644 John Iverson, 510/568-1680 Geoff Merideth, 510/437-8899

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