Needle exchange bill passes House

WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- U.S. cities would gain more flexibility in their anti-AIDS efforts under a measure to lift a federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs, analysts say.

A bill to end a 21-year-old on federal funding for needle exchanges run by local programs aimed at stopped the spread of AIDS, and the HIV virus that causes it, among intravenous drug users was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Friday, The Washington Post reported.

"This is the first time in over 20 years that we are on the verge of recognition by the federal government of the proven cost-effectiveness and impact of syringe exchange as a very important tool for prevention of HIV infection and viral hepatitis," Ronald Johnson, deputy executive director of AIDS Action, a Washington-based advocacy group, told the Post. "Allowing the local community to use federal funds is very critical to stopping these epidemics."

But the bill, sponsored by Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., includes restrictions that would make it nearly moot for Washington, critics say. No needle exchanges will get funding if they are within 1,000 feet of day-care centers or schools, parks or playgrounds, virtually eliminating the entire city.