Bill Allowing Federal Funding of Needle Exchange Limits Locations

A bill that would lift a longstanding ban on federal funding of needle-exchange programs would also bar such programs from being established within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or other venues frequented by children, the New York Times reported Nov. 9.

Advocates welcome the funding but said that the restrictions could disrupt operations at most of the nation’s 200 needle-exchange programs, which are intended to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS among IV-drug users by exchanging clean needles for dirty ones. “This 1,000-foot rule is simply instituting the ban in a different form,” said Rebecca Haag, executive director of the AIDS Action Council. “Clearly the intent of this rule is to nullify the lifting of the ban.”

A related bill would impose the 1,000-foot limit on needle-exchanges in Washington, D.C., that want to receive city or federal funding. “Let’s protect these kids,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.). “They don’t need to be playing kickball in the playground and seeing people lined up for needle exchange.”

The two bills have been approved by the House of Representatives and a Senate subcommittee, but advocates are working to have the 1,000-foot limit removed.

Needle-exchange programs in cities like Chicago, New York and Washington said the measure would effectively bar them from operating in their cities.