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AIDS Activists Arrested for Protesting Ban on Federal Funded Syringe ExchangeBy Candace Y.A. Montague March 22, 2012
Nearly 30 activists were arrested while protesting the ban on federally funded syringe exchange programs yesterday. A total of 75 activists gathered at the US Capitol to participate in a chained 'sit-in' at the offices of Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT), Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Eric Cantor (R-VA). Yesterday was the National Day of Action when many non-profit organizations asked their supporters to voice their opposition to the ban. The arrested protestors represented Housing Works, Health Gap, and Harm Reduction Coalition. They were detained for 14 hours and released just after midnight. The ban on federal funding for syringe exchange was originally adopted in 1989 but was finally lifted in 2009 by Congress. Last December, Congress re-imposed a ban on the use of federal funding for syringe exchange programs in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 funding process. Research has continuously proven that needle exchange programs dramatically decrease HIV, viral hepatitis among participants. The language was added back into the spending bill by GOP Senators without opposition. Kenyon Farrow, spokesperson for Housing Works, stated in an interview that not only does needle exchange reduce HIV transmission but, in the long run, it saves the country money to fund prevention versus treatment. "We save money down the line with syringe exchange. People stay healthier through syringe exchange." Larry Bryant, arrested protestor and Director of National Advocacy and Organizing for Housing Works, says the pressure on Congress must continue. "Syringe exchange programs provide life saving, life preserving care for many people. We cannot allow more people to suffer and die needlessly." As the International AIDS Conference date approaches, Farrow explained that more actions will occur in order to continue putting pressure on Congress to fund programs that work to end the epidemic. Yesterday's protest was just one avenue that activists used to make their voices heard. "We wanted to send a message to Congress, President Obama, and the nation that we can no longer play politics with people's lives. We need to once and for all lift the ban on federally funded needle exchange programs." For more information on how you can get involved, click here. Get email notifications every time this blog is updated.
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D.C. HIV/AIDS Examiner  Candace Y.A. Montague Candace Y.A. Montague has been learning about HIV since 1988 (and she has the certificates from the American Red Cross to prove it). Health is a high priority to Candace because she believes that nothing can come of your life if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it. One of her two master's degrees is in Community Health Promotion and Education. Candace was inspired to act against HIV after seeing a documentary in 2008 about African-American women and HIV. She knew that writing was the best way for her to make a difference and help inform others. Candace is a native Washingtonian and covers HIV news all around D.C. She has covered fundraisers, motorcycle rides, town hall meetings, house balls, Capitol Hill press conferences, election campaigns and protests for The DC Examiner.com and emPower News Magazine. Subscribe to Candace's Blog:
Recent Posts:
June 3, 2013 - Michael Douglas, HPV, and Throat Cancer: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague
April 5, 2013 - The Sexual Health Lessons of Tyler Perry's Tempation: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 25, 2013 - Candace's AIDS News Update: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 11, 2013 - Three Condoms Rule No More: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 5, 2013 - HIV Prevention Strategies for Women Proven Ineffective: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
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