PRESS RELEASE (Februrary 28, 2019) — In an historic move, the Iowa HIV and Hepatitis Community Planning Group (CPG) voted on February 14, 2019, to support the passage of Senate File 125, to establish syringe services programs in Iowa. The sharing of syringes and drug injection equipment is a route of transmission of blood-borne viruses, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C; and can cause endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining. Syringe services programs are evidence-based interventions effective in reducing the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses and bacteria. They are supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Under the Trump administration, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) set a goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The initiative (Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America) highlights the need to reduce stigma and engage people who inject drugs in order to reduce new infections. In the United States, there are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV, with over 38,000 people newly diagnosed in 2017. In Iowa, there are over 3,000 people living with HIV. In 2018, 116 people were newly diagnosed. The CDC estimates that 45 to 85% of people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are undiagnosed. In Iowa, there are over 18,000 people who have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C infection.
Between 2000 and 2015, there was a 300% increase in hepatitis-C diagnoses among people 18-30 years old. This high rate of hepatitis C among people who use drugs is due to sharing of syringes and materials used to prepare drugs for injection (e.g., cotton, cookers, wipes, ties, water). Thirty-five states, including the nearby states of North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota, operate successful syringe services programs in which people who inject drugs may obtain sterile syringes, but as importantly, can obtain health services like HIV and HCV testing, immunizations, and referrals to drug treatment. There is significant research indicating that syringe services programs:
- Prevent transmission of HIV, HCV, and other infectious diseases among people who inject drugs;
- Provide linkage to substance use disorder treatment services;
- Create low barrier and non-judgmental environments for community members who face significant barriers to medical and social support;
- Provide venues for safe syringe disposal;
- Reduce accidental needle stick injuries among law enforcement and other first responders; and
- Reduce low-level crime by connecting those most vulnerable to housing and legal services.
Syringe services programs are cost-effective. Lifetime costs associated with treatment for HIV and hepatitis C are estimated to be $380,000 and $205,000, respectively. These costs are often borne by state Medicaid programs. Former participants in syringe services programs are more likely to report significant reduction in drug use or to stop using all together, and to remain in drug treatment programs. In fact, new syringe services program participants are five times more likely to enter into drug treatment than other people who inject drugs. Under Iowa law, syringes and needles are considered to be illegal drug paraphernalia, and cannot be distributed by health organizations. To address these concerns, CPG believes syringe services programs will lower the transmission rates of HIV and hepatitis C, and will decrease deaths related to use of opioids and methamphetamine. Andy Beeler, CPG member, is adamant syringe services programs will improve access to services for people who use drugs. "As a person who recently achieved SVR (cure) from hepatitis C, I think we need Syringe Services Programs in Iowa to prevent the spread of infectious disease. It would also serve as a point of contact for people who use drugs, so that they can access services such as housing, MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) and other treatment, mental health services, etc..." As Iowa's HIV and Hepatitis Community Planning Group, we are joining the following organizations in urging Iowa Senate President, Charles Schneider to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. We also urge Governor Kim Reynolds to sign this bill in passage to law for the State of Iowa:
- Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN)
- Iowa Primary Care Association
- Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association
- Iowa Psychiatric Society
- Iowa Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Iowa Nurse Practitioners Society
- Iowa Medical Society
- Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition
- Iowa Nurses Association
- Iowa Pharmacy Association
- Iowa Conference of United Methodist Church
- Family Planning Council of Iowa
- Iowa Behavioral Health Association
- Polk County Board of Supervisors
- PITCH (Positive Iowan's Taking Charge)
- One Iowa Action
CHAIN is a non-profit organization in Iowa. We work to advocate for those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. CHAIN and Iowa's HIV and Hepatitis Community Planning group work collaboratively to support programs that enable state agencies to work towards protecting the health and well being of Iowans and hopes that we can work together to help prevent future HIV and HCV infections that could be prevented.
