ONAP Statement

DRUG CZAR AND AIDS CZAR AGREE
THAT PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY MUST BE BASED ON SOUND SCIENCE

DRUG CZAR AND AIDS CZAR AGREE THAT PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY MUST BE BASED ON SOUND SCIENCE

(Washington, D.C.) -- Barry R. McCaffrey, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Sandra L. Thurman, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, issued the following joint statement:

Today, America is struggling with not just one epidemic, but with two. Tragically, the twin epidemics of AIDS and drugs are linked and impose devastating costs on individuals,, families, and on our society as a whole. Together, we share a strong comniitment to improving lives and to saving lives by promoting public health policies that are based on sound science.

We agree that drug treatment is the most effective tool not only in reducing the use of drqgs_but in_reduc'mg the sharing of needles, both of which contribute to the spread of HIV. Unfortunately, despite a 33 percent increase in federal spending

since fiscal year 1993, drug treatment is only available for half of those in immediate need. We are strongly united in our desire to do everything that we can to expand the availability of drug treatment for all those in need, and to prevent the ftuther spread of FHV among injecting drug users and people with whom they have sexual contact.

As for needle exchange, Congress has limited the use of Federal ftmds for sterile needle and syringe exchange projects until (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that exchange projects are effective in preventing the spread of HIV and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs; and (2) the project is operated in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary for preventing the spread of HIV and for ensuring that the pr 'ect does not encourage the use of illegal drugs.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Office of National AIDS Policy remain dedicated to working with Secretary Shalala, and to supporting her efforts to ensure that public health policyis guided by sound science.

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