Hepatitis C, HIV Outbreaks Bring Needle Exchange Programs Back Into Spotlight

A ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs is once again gaining attention amid HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks across the country. Congress in 1988 passed legislation banning the federal government from funding such initiatives, even though they have been proven to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Recently, state governments have been adopting needle exchange programs to address disease outbreaks spurred by injection drug use in Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

• "Surge in Cases of H.I.V. Tests U.S. Policy on Needle Exchanges" (Hulse, New York Times, 5/16).