Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire, Monday December 9 1996 7:30 AM EDT
Elizabeth Taylor has been a long time advocate for the distribution of clean syringes to all intravenous drug users, and had raised the issue most recently when she addressed a meeting at the United Nations on Monday, December 2. In a powerful speech in the hall of the General Assembly, she said, "Prevention programs, that before were based on common sense, are now proven by studies, but it seems there is neither the political will nor the money to act upon them. We know, unequivocally, that the provision of clean needles to drug users will save lives. What are we waiting for?"
Through her own Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), Miss Taylor is the largest single contributor to the American Foundation for AIDS Research's work on needle exchange, which supported the most comprehensive study ever on clean needle exchange.
This landmark study, which was reported in The Lancet on October 12, 1996, was conducted by leading researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center and New York University Medical Center. Among other findings, it documented a two-thirds decrease in new HIV infections among injection drug users enrolled at five community-based, legal, needle exchange programs in New York City. The Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center was one of these sites, and is unique in that it is the only center that includes programs specifically geared to female intravenous drug users, including a "Women only" needle exchange.
In addition to providing clean needles, the Lower East Side Center runs a wide range of programs for community members, all in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, including peer counseling, an HIV support group, TB screenings, and the "Day of Pampering," which was initially set up to provide a "safe space" for female clients to relax and have a meal while getting free haircuts and manicures.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is a non-profit corporation. Through ETAF, Ms. Taylor seeks to 1) support organizations delivering direct care and services to AIDS patients, 2) support organizations that provide education to the public regarding the AIDS virus and the prevention of AIDS, and 3) support organizations conducting research to develop treatments and a cure for AIDS. Requests for further information on ETAF, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 55995, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413. SOURCE Pignataro - Coburn Inc.
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