Delivering Harm Reduction Services Including Syringe Exchange

Syringe exchange programs prevent the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases among people who inject drugs. They also save money, increase public safety, and help drug users get into treatment. In spite of all this, the use of federal funds for syringe exchange is banned.

Here's what you can do:

• Sign our petition.

• Contact your members of Congress and tell them you believe the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange is anti-science and anti-public health, and needs to be removed. 

• Learn about this important issue:

Congress Eases Restrictions on Funding for Syringe Exchange (January 2016)

Special Report: Harm Reduction and the Global HIV Epidemic

CNN op-ed: Why Congress Should Rethink Syringe Issue

Syringe Services Controversy Brews in Western Massachusetts

amfAR Goes to Capitol Hill to End the Ban on Funding Syringe Exchanges

Fact Sheet: Syringe Services Programs (July 2013)

Winning the Battle but Losing the War: Prescription Drug Abuse and Syringe Services Programs

Syringe Services Programs: Myth vs. Fact

amfAR Think Tank on Implementation Science for PWID

The Twin Epidemics of HIV and Drug Use: Innovative Strategies for Healthy Communities, co-produced with the International AIDS Society (December 2012)  

amfAR Deeply Critical of Re-Imposition of Ban on Federal Funding for Syringe Exchange  

Fact Sheet: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Syringe Exchange (March 2013) 

Issue Brief: Preventing HIV and Hepatitis C Among People Who Inject Drugs: Public Funding for Syringe Services Programs Makes the Difference (April 2015)

Issue Brief: Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health (March 2013)