Not while the Republicans are in Control

It's no secret that many of the things DC residents want to do to improve our lives and our city end up getting messed up, delayed, or just plain blocked by Congress. DC is not like any other city in the United States. Congress controls our money and exerts extraordinary control over how we spend it. When it comes to HIV/AIDS in the District, Congressional interference has had dire consequences. First, despite overwhelming evidence that needle-exchange programs are an effective HIV prevention strategy, Congress prevents DC from spending any money for needle exchange. This means that unlike any other city in the country hit by the epidemic, we can't even spend our own city funds to support needle-exchange programs. Our only needle exchange program operates without any government money. Second, Congress has prevented DC residents from deciding for themselves whether or not they support Medical Marijuana for HIV patients who would benefit from that treatment. Yet another study released today shows Medical Marijuana can benefit people living with HIV/AIDS. A few years ago we had a ballot initiative on this issue, and DC Voters supported the use of Medical Marijuana, yet we have been unable to move forward on this issue because of Congress. For several years now, when you brought up either of these topics, way too many folks would politely nod and inevitably reply "If only the Republicans weren't in control of Congress". At times it felt like too easy of an excuse for not continuing to stand up and speak out about these two issues. So I would like to point out to everyone in the District who has ever utterred those words: The Republicans aren't in control of Congress anymore. What are we going to do about it now? I'm glad to see that the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance continues to include both of these issues in their Legislative Agenda. We need more organizations in DC taking action on needle exchange and medical marijuana. Now is the time.

PreventionWorks DC

Since 1998 PreventionWorks has provided needle exchange and other harm reduction services in the District of Columbia. The mission of PreventionWorks is to curb the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases among injecting and other drug users, their sexual partners, and newborn children. PreventionWorks' needle exchange service operates on private donations. The District is the only city in the nation barred by federal law from investing its own locally raised dollars to provide needle exchange. This is despite scientific research proving needle exchange reduces the transmission of blood-borne viruses. in fact, needle exchange programs in other major cities, like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are all supported by state and/or local government dollars. Effectiveness of Needle Exchange Scientific research on needle exchange shows: Needle exchange programs reduce HIV and Hepatitis transmission; Needle exchange programs do not encourage the use of illegal drugs; and Needle exchange programs provide an effective means of getting drug users into drug treatment. Since December 1998 PreventionWorks has properly disposed of over 2 million contaminated needles and syringes. Services PreventionWorks believes everyone deserves the right to be treated with respect and dignity. When provided with compassionate support and adequate resources, individuals are then empowered to make healthy decisions. PreventionWorks offer the following free harm reduction services. HIV Counseling and Testing Drug Treatment and Referrals HIV and STI Prevention Education Safer Sex Material Distribution Needle Exchange Viral Hepatitis Education Food and Clothing Distribution Overdose Prevention Support Groups PreventionWorks' services are based on a harm reduction model. Harm reduction is a way to improve and save lives by providing support for positive change in a respectful and nonjudgemental environment. For more information visit www.preventionworksdc.org.