The NAACP, National Urban League and other groups called on Congress to end the federal ban on funding needle-exchange programs, saying that the harm-reduction strategy has been proven to prevent HIV/AIDS, the Associated Press reported Feb. 6.

The plea was made in coordination with the Harm Reduction Coalition and in conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Federal funding for needle exchanges have been banned for 20 years, although most states fund the programs.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said that needle exchanges "do not encourage drug use," as critics contend.

"These programs are the way you really reach these drug users and help them end their addiction," she said.

Chief among opponents to needle changes, however, is the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. "Needles are not the magic bullet," said the agency's chief scientist, David Murray. "We are being politically pressured to make this decision (in favor of needle exchange). But it's time to rethink if there's a more humane, effective public health response than continuing to support injection drug use."

On the other hand, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci supports needle exchanges.