Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 - Wednesday, September 17, 1997; 4:52 p.m. EDT
Laura Meckler, Associated Press Writer
Thirteen people were arrested after trying to carry a 12-foot "moral backbone" into the building for Secretary Donna Shalala, who has said the needle exchange programs can be effective in fighting AIDS but has stopped short of lifting the ban.
"I have known people who have died of contaminated needles. It's not necessary," said Kate Sorensen of San Francisco, one of the protesters arrested in a show of civil disobedience.
"It all started with a dirty needle," said Sheila Catherine Hair Fuoco, a Birmingham, Ala., woman with HIV. She said she was infected by her late husband, who was infected by a dirty needle. She passed the virus to her son when she was pregnant.
Shalala was in the building during the rally, which organizers said attracted 2,000 protesters.
About one-third of adults with AIDS got the killer virus through contaminated needles or sex with injecting drug users. Needle exchange programs give drug addicts clean needles for their used ones in hopes of keeping contaminated needles from spreading the virus.
There were at least 87 needle exchange programs around the country in 1995-96, operating with local or private funding.
To lift the ban on federal funding, HHS must certify that the programs reduce AIDS without increasing drug use.
A panel of experts convened by the National Institutes of Health said early this year that these programs are a powerful weapon against AIDS that have been blocked by politics.
In a report to Congress in February, Shalala cited research that drug use did not increase when communities began needle exchanges, and that the programs allow health officials to offer drug treatment to addicts they might otherwise never see.
But the department is still studying whether needle exchanges increase drug use, HHS spokesman Victor Zonana said Wednesday.
"We will make a decision based on science and public health, not politics," he said.
He added that the Clinton administration is funding other AIDS efforts including expensive research and medications.
"Local communities can take that lead in providing funding (for needle exchanges) if they believe it's appropriate," he said.
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
970917
AP970905
Copyright © 1997 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .