December 17, 2014

Dear Representative Amodei:

As Nevadans who have seen the dramatically positive effects of syringe service programs in our state, we are writing to request that you prioritize the health and lives of your constituents and urge the House Appropriations Committee to permit the use of federal funds to support lifesaving syringe service programs (SSPs). Federal restrictions on SSPs funding are an immediate threat to the health and safety of Nevadan families, and will cost the nation’s taxpayers money in medical expenses to treat preventable infections for years to come.

We ask that the House use the same language as the Senate: Senate subcommittee bill Pages 160-161: http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/sites/default/files/LHHS%20Bill%2087259.pdfSEC. 519. None of the funds contained in this Act may be used to distribute any needle or syringe for the purpose of preventing the spread of blood borne pathogens in any location that has been determined by the local public health or local law enforcement authorities to be inappropriate for such distribution.

Lifting the ban on federal funding would not involve additional dollars. It would simply allow localities to spend their monies on syringe service programs with the consent of local public health and law enforcement officials if they wanted to do so. SSPs are proven to be highly effective and cost saving. Every additional dollar invested in SSPs results in an average of $7 in savings in HIV treatment alone.

Seven federally-commissioned research reports demonstrate that SSPs are among the most effective strategies available to reduce injection-drug-related HIV and hepatitis infections. They promote health-seeking behaviors among high-risk individuals, keeping themselves, their, partners, their children, and their neighborhoods safe without increasing drug use. In fact, they serve as a valuable bridge to drug treatment. And because they provide a safe place to dispose of used syringes, there are fewer injuries to civilians (kids playing in the park) and first responders alike (particularly law enforcement).

We have much to be proud of in Nevada. Nevada law SB 410 enabled Northern Nevada HOPES to begin its SSP, called Change Point. Since its inception in January, 2014, the syringe services program in Reno has made remarkable progress:

1,016 clients have safely disposed of over 89,000 used syringes On average, each client exchanges on behalf of three other individuals. 189 have tested for HIV, six tested positive, 100% are receiving care. 95 have tested for hepatitis C, 18 tested positive, 100% are receiving care. 128 have been referred to services such as: drug treatment, drug detox, counseling,

and mental health treatment 869 educational sessions have been performed in the areas of: infectious disease

prevention, injection-related wound (abscess) prevention and response, and overdose prevention and response.

However, since one-third of clients are women, perinatal HIV and hepatitis B and C are concerns.

By lifting the federal ban on funding for SSPs, similar programs could be put in place in Las Vegas and southern Nevada, with comparable savings in lives and healthcare dollars.

In a period of fiscal restraint and prudence, our communities strive to make sound investments in cost-effective programs meeting vital local needs. For Nevada, syringe services programs fit these criteria, and should be eligible for use of federal funds where appropriate and acceptable in accordance with local priorities and decision-making. As negotiations on federal appropriations continue, we urge you to continue to act in accordance with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and in the best interest of those living with and at risk of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. Reject any compromise on syringe exchange. We look forward to opportunities to leverage federal funds to sustain and expand these lifesaving interventions.

Sincerely,

Northern Nevada HOPES

A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing)

ACCEPT (Access for Community & Cultural Education Programs & Trainings)

ACLU of Nevada

The Addi and Cassi Fund

Center for Behavioral Health

Immunize Nevada

Latino Pride New Generation

The Life Change Center (TLC)

MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families

Everywhere) Nevada - University of Nevada, Reno

Nevada Academy of Family Physicians

Nevada CURE (Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants)

Nevada PHASA (Public Health Alliance for Syringe Access)

Nevada State Medical Association

NNHPPG (Northern Nevada HIV Prevention Planning Group)

Northern Nevada Outreach Team

Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

Reno’s Biggest Little Sisters

SHARE (Sexuality Health and Responsibility Education) - Washoe County School

District

SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) - Las Vegas

Queer Student Union - University of Nevada, Reno

Transgender Allies Group

VOA (Volunteers of America) - Tom Vetica Resource center

Washoe County Health District