Activists getting arrested to support syringe exchange in DC, March 21, 2012.
No more federal dollars for syringe exchange: that was the message from Congress less than 3 months ago.
The funding ban is back, and the timing couldn’t be worse — with tight state budgets, and signs that many painkiller users are injecting or switching to heroin, our syringe exchange programs need more support than ever. The Harm Reduction Coalition and our allies are pulling out all the stops this time to demand that Congress and the federal government set politics aside, and we need your help.
On March 21, we made our voices heard around the country. Local meetings with US Senators, media events to highlight issues, and a National Call-in Day were sponsored by dozens of organizations and brought our opposition to Congress’ doorstep and let them know that we’re committed to syringe exchange and won’t back down!
Thanks to everyone who made calls, mobilized and supported the day of action!!
What: National Day of Action on Syringe Exchange
When: March 21, 2012
Where: EVERYWHERE!
Local Report-backs:
- NCHRC Organizes North Carolina Advocates to Participate in the National Day of Action on Syringe Exchange
- Report from Connecticut Advocates
- Blog post from AIDS United
- AIDS Action Committee wrote up this call to action on the big day
Click here to see the list of local organizers.
Press Coverage:
Advocates in Hawaii visit Senator Inouye’s office.
- Clean Needle Exchange Activists Arrested During Sit-Ins At Congressional Offices, Huffington Post
- Local activists lobby around syringe exchange, Windy City Media Group
- Clean needle access is a must, activists say, ThePrecarious.com
- Battle for Restored Needle Exchange Funding Heats Up, Hawaii News Daily
- AIDS activists arrested at Rehberg’s D.C. office, Missoula Independent
- 32 Activists Arrested Protesting the Ban on U.S. Federal Funding Syringe Exchange Programs, The Body/Housing Works
- Needle-Exchange Backers Arrested, Roll Call
- AIDS Activists Arrested During Hill Protests, National Journal
- Capitol Police arrest 29 AIDS activists following sit-ins, The Hill
Photos & Videos:
ACT UP Philly joined the action…fierce as always!
This is brilliant – thanks ACT UP Philly!
Here’s a video showing brave activists getting arrested in support of syringe exchange:
AIDS Activists Arrested for Protesting Syringe Exchange Ban from Housing Works on Vimeo.