This summer, the House of Representatives took a historic step by removing the ban on federal funding for needle and syringe exchange programs (SEPs). Now, the Senate must act, but they are not making this policy a priority.
With the delay in voting, we have more time to advocate for an end to the federal ban! President Obama is in a unique position to urge the Senate to make needle exchange a priority as the vote approaches. During his campaign, President Obama promised to end the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs. Senators need to hear from President Obama that his Administration supports syringe exchange.
Now is the time to urge President Obama to fulfill his campaign promise to end the ban and urge the Senate to act. Want to help? Organize a Call-in drive on your campus over the next two weeks to ensure Obama hears from the public to take action.
All it takes is:
- Booked space in a public area on your campus
- Call-in instructions and script
- Needle exchange fact sheet
It could make the all the difference in how the Senate votes.
Why support stronger Syringe Exchange Programs? SEPs promote health and human rights. More than a dozen scientific reviews of SEPs have shown that when implemented as part of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention strategy, SEPs help reduce HIV transmissions without increasing drug use. Indeed, SEPs do more than provide clean syringes and properly dispose of used ones; they link people into the health care system and drug treatment programs that save lives.
President Obama’s leadership is key to moving this issue forward in the Senate. His support could help save the lives of thousands of people. 20 years is too long—help us end the ban today! Contact me if you want to get your campus involved.
