UNITED STATES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map 1: Cumulative AIDS cases in California since 1981

Map 2: Percentage of AIDS cases in California due to injection drug use

DEFINITIONS OF AND NOTES ON KEY TERMS

1. SUMMARY
   
   
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
To the government of the state of California
To city and county governments in the state of California
To police departments in the state of California
To the government of the United States
To the United Nations


3. METHODS
   
   
4. BACKGROUND
HIV/AIDS and injection drug use in the United States
The availability of sterile syringes in the United States: an overview
California: a case study


5. POLICE INTERFERENCE WITH LEGAL SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Overview
Police targeting syringe exchange clients
Sanctions for sterile syringe possession
Disregard for syringe exchange identity cards
Intimidating searches and seizures
Particularly vulnerable populations
Homeless injectors
Sex workers
Parolees and probationers
Injectors in rural areas
Interference with satellite syringe exchange
Interference with safe syringe disposal


6. PROHIBITION OF SYRINGE EXCHANGE
Overview
Sacramento County: A lethal prosecution
Impact of the conviction
Lake County: An underground exchange
Alameda County: “A lesson in NIMBYism”


7. INTERFERENCE WITH OTHER MODES OF SYRINGE ACCESS
The need for alternatives to syringe exchange
Opposition to nonprescription pharmacy sales in California


8. ARGUMENTS AGAINST STERILE SYRINGE PROGRAMS
Arguments by U.S. government officials
Concerns related to public order
Concerns related to the symbolism of syringe access
United Nations anti-drug conventions


9. PROTECTING ONE’S HEALTH: A HUMAN RIGHT
The right to obtain health services without fear of punishment
The right of equal access to health care for people with disabilities


10. CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

APPENDIX A: SAMPLE LETTERS TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

September 2003      Vol. 15, No. 2(G)