1. December 17, 2014
Dear Representative Amodei:
As Nevadans who have seen the dramatically positive effects of syringe service programs in our state, we are writing to
request that you prioritize the health and lives of your constituents and urge the House Appropriations Committee to
permit the use of federal funds to support lifesaving syringe service programs (SSPs). Federal restrictions on SSPs
funding are an immediate threat to the health and safety of Nevadan families, and will cost the nation’s taxpayers money
in medical expenses to treat preventable infections for years to come.
We ask that the House use the same language as the Senate:
Senate subcommittee bill Pages 160-161:
http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/sites/default/files/LHHS%20Bill%2087259.pdf
SEC. 519. None of the funds containedin this Act may be used to distribute any needle or syringe for the purpose of preventing the spread of
blood borne pathogens in any location that has been determined by the local public health or local law enforcement authorities to be
inappropriate for such distribution.
Lifting the ban on federal funding would not involve additional dollars. It would simply allow localities to spend
their monies on syringe service programs with the consent of local public health and law enforcement officials if they
wanted to do so. SSPs are proven to be highly effective and cost saving. Every additional dollar invested in SSPs results
in an average of $7 in savings in HIV treatment alone.
Seven federally-commissioned research reports demonstrate that SSPs are among the most effective strategies available
to reduce injection-drug-related HIV and hepatitis infections. They promote health-seeking behaviors among high-risk
individuals, keeping themselves, their, partners, their children, and their neighborhoods safe without increasing drug use.
In fact, they serve as a valuable bridge to drug treatment. And because they provide a safe place to dispose of used
syringes, there are fewer injuries to civilians (kids playing in the park) and first responders alike (particularly law
enforcement).
We have much to be proud of in Nevada. Nevada law SB 410 enabled Northern Nevada HOPES to begin its SSP,
called Change Point. Since its inception in January, 2014, the syringe services program in Reno has made remarkable
progress:
 1,016 clients have safely disposed of over 89,000 used syringes
 On average, each client exchanges on behalf of three other individuals.
 189 have tested for HIV, six tested positive, 100% are receiving care.
 95 have tested for hepatitis C, 18 tested positive, 100% are receiving care.
 128 have been referred to services such as: drug treatment, drug detox, counseling, and mental health treatment
 869 educational sessions have been performed in the areas of: infectious disease prevention, injection-related
wound (abscess) prevention and response, and overdose prevention and response.
 However, since one-third of clients are women, perinatal HIV and hepatitis B and C are concerns.
By lifting the federal ban on funding for SSPs, similar programs could be put in place in Las Vegas and southern
Nevada, with comparable savings in lives and healthcare dollars.

2. In a period of fiscal restraint and prudence, our communities strive to make sound investments in cost-effective
programs meeting vital local needs. For Nevada, syringe services programs fit these criteria, and should be eligible for
use of federal funds where appropriate and acceptable in accordance with local priorities and decision-making. As
negotiations on federal appropriations continue, we urge you to continue to act in accordance with the National
HIV/AIDS Strategy and in the best interest of those living with and at risk of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. Reject any
compromise on syringe exchange. We look forward to opportunities to leverage federal funds to sustain and expand
these lifesaving interventions.
Sincerely,
 Northern Nevada HOPES
 A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing)
 ACCEPT (Access for Community& Cultural Education Programs & Trainings)
 ACLU of Nevada
 The Addi and Cassi Fund
 Center for Behavioral Health
 ImmunizeNevada
 Latino Pride New Generation
 The Life Change Center (TLC)
 MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere) Nevada -
University of Nevada, Reno
 Nevada Academy of Family Physicians
 Nevada CURE (Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants)
 Nevada PHASA (Public Health Alliance for Syringe Access)
 Nevada State Medical Association
 NNHPPG (Northern Nevada HIV Prevention Planning Group)
 Northern Nevada Outreach Team
 Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
 Reno’s Biggest Little Sisters
 SHARE (Sexuality Health and Responsibility Education) - Washoe County School District
 SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) - Las Vegas
 Queer Student Union - University of Nevada, Reno
 Transgender Allies Group
 VOA (Volunteers of America) - Tom Vetica Resource center
 Washoe County Health District