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DRUG CZAR AND AIDS CZAR AGREE
THAT PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY MUST BE BASED ON SOUND SCIENCE
................................................................
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 1998
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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