Needle exchange works and works well.
It reduces the spread of HIV and does not contribute to intravenous drug use. Today's vote to codify the ban does nothing to change the science. In addition, six government funded studies have documented the positive effects of needle exchange and refuted the argument that the program sends a mixed message about drug abuse. Scores of leading national organizations support needle exchange, including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It is a mistake to limit access to a proven health intervention to those communities that can afford to use local money to fund needle exchange programs.