HB 117 picks up a Joint Author

Representative and physician John Zerwas signs on to House Bill 117, by Representative Ruth Jones McClendon. Representative Zerwas worked hard with fellow members of the House Committee on Public Health last session to strengthen similar legislation, which was successfully voted out of committee. Thank you again Representative Zerwas!

House Bill 117 leads into 82nd legislative session

At least one syringe exchange bill has been pre-filed leading up to the 82nd Texas legislative session. House Bill 117, filed by Representative Ruth Jones McClendon, would provide local authorities (in Texas counties with a population over 300,000) the option of authorizing disease prevention outreach programs, such as syringe exchange. This would allow community-based and faith-based organizations to provide compassionate, evidence-based outreach services that reduce blood borne disease transmission among individuals, and their loved ones, struggling with drug addiction here in Texas. In addition to reducing disease, syringe exchange programs make communities safer through proper disposal of used syringes, reducing rates of drug use, reducing the number of needle stick injuries to first responders and law enforcement, providing referrals to drug treatment, and increasing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. See full text of bill here.

Legislature has easy way to cut spending in Texas

Check out the Op-ed on syringe exchange in today's issue of the Houston Chronicle. An excerpt:

"Syringe exchange is life preservation, not drug support. Drug addiction is painful and costly enough. If we know how to keep HIV and HCV out of the picture, it would be irresponsible and expensive to continue not to do so here in Texas. Evidence-based interventions that reduce HIV transmission, such as syringe exchanges, are vital to the health and well-being of all Texans."

Read more here.