Lifting the Ban - Fact Sheet- This policy costs nothing: Lifting the ban does not involve additional dollars. It simply allows localities to

spend their federal prevention dollars as they see fit. It may be a source of additional federal dollars in the future if additional dollars are allocated to HIV prevention.

- It's cost effective: For every additional dollar invested, an average of $7 dollars in HIV treatment costs are saved.i This does not include other associated costs such as viral hepatitis, secondary infections (e.g. endocarditis), injection related wounds, or drug overdose.

- Federal dollars open doors: Federal funding is often perceived by other donors as a "seal of approval", leading to new funding streams. Federal grantees can also receive extensive technical assistance at no cost.ii

- It's about local control: States and localities know how best to respond to the epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, and drug overdose. 

- It's about health disparities: African-Americans are 11x and Latinos are 5x more likely to contract HIV from an infected needle than their Caucasian counterparts.iii

- SSPs are a bridge to related services: HIV testing, viral hepatitis services, drug detox and addiction treatment, and drug overdose prevention and response services.iv

- The changing demographics of injection drug users: Due to the crackdown on prescription drug use, many are transitioning to heroin use. This new generation of users is more likely to be young, female, and non-urban.v,vi,vii,viii

- SSPs make neighborhoods safer for everyone: Because they provide a safe place to dispose of used needles, there are fewer injuries to civilians (kids playing in the park) and first responders alike.ix

7 Ways to Become Involved1. Learn more: watch the videos, read (general information, law-enforcement perspectives, local efforts,

international approaches, map of SSPs in the US, etc.)*2. Spread the word (Facebook, twitter, Gmail status, personal movie night).*3. Sign the petition* and encourage others to do the same.4. Call your members of Congress* and encourage others to do the same.5. Write to your representative in Congress* and encourage others to do the same.6. Meet with your representatives in Congress, either at their local office or on Capitol Hill. Can't make it to DC?

No problem! We can help arrange a meeting via teleconference.7. Volunteer at your local SSP: www.nasen.org

*Find all the information you need at www.amfar.org/endtheban

i Nguyen, T. Q., Weir, B. W., Pinkerton, S. D., Des Jarlais, D.C., & Holtgrave, D. (2014). Syringe Exchange in the United States: A National Level Economic Evaluation of Hypothetical Increases in Investment, AIDS and Behavior November 2014, Volume 18, Issue 11, pp 2144-2155. Abstract available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-014-0789-9ii amfAR, Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health. Available at: http://www.amfar.org/uploadedFiles/_amfarorg/Articles/On_The_Hill/2013/IB%20SSPs%20031413.pdf.iii CDC (2009). HIV Infection Among Injection-Drug Users – 34 States, 2004-2007. MMWR 58:1291-1295.iv amfAR, Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health. Available at: http://www.amfar.org/uploadedFiles/_amfarorg/Articles/On_The_Hill/2013/IB%20SSPs%20031413.pdf.v Havens, J., Walker, R., Leukefeld, C. (2007). Prevalence of opioid analgesic injection among rural nonmedical opioid analgesic users. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 87, 98-102. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16959437.vi Elinson, Z., & Campo-Flores, A. (2013). Heroin Makes a Comeback. The Wall Street Journal.vii Muhuri, P.K., Gfroerer, J.C., & Davis, M.C. (2013). Associations of Nonmedical Pain Reliever Use and Initiation of Heroin Use in the United States. SAMHSA, CBHSQ Data Review. http://www.samhsa.gov/data/2k13/DataReview/DR006/nonmedical-pain-reliever-use-2013.pdfviii Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-46, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4795. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013.ix amfAR, Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health. Available at: http://www.amfar.org/uploadedFiles/_amfarorg/Articles/On_The_Hill/2013/IB%20SSPs%20031413.pdf.