Legal needle exchange has been in place in Washington, DC, since 1996. Funded by the City's Administration for HIV and AIDS, the program was part of Whitman-Walker Clinic, the largest HIV/AIDS service organization in the area and a primary recipient of Ryan White funds in the District. In October 1998, the United States Congress, as part of the District of Columbia's overall funding package, included language that forbids the District from using local funds to support needle exchange services. The legislation also prohibited any private organization receiving federal funds from operating a needle exchange program in the District, even if funded with private donations. To continue operations, the program was moved from Whitman-Walker Clinic to a newly established and independent organization, PreventionWorks. The District is the only city in the nation barred by federal law from supporting needle exchange programs. This presentation assesses the impact of this Congressional action on the District's needle exchange program including its organizational structure, collaboration with other agencies, funding, and service delivery. Strategies used to address these obstacles, lessons learned, future plans, the political situation in DC, and an overview of legislation will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Participants will: 1. Appreciate the political climate surrounding Congressional legislation directed at needle exchange in Washington, DC. 2. Recognize the impact of this legislation on DC needle exchange's organizational structure, services, staff, and clients. 3. Identify the steps the program has taken to address these difficulties
Keywords: Needle Exchange Programs, Congress
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: PreventionWorks
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment