Guide to the Prevention Point Pittsburgh Records, 1996-2004
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Prevention Point Pittsburgh Records
- Creator
- Prevention Point Pittsburgh
- Collection Number
- MSS 794
- Extent
- 0.5 linear feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1996-2004
- Abstract
- Prevention Point Pittsburgh was founded in 1995 to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases. The group set up illegal needle exchange programs and fought for their legalization until winning their case in 2002. The records in this collection document not only the legal battle to legalize needle exchange programs, but also everyday operations of Prevention Point Pittsburgh.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
In May 1995, two Pittsburgh AIDS activists set up a sterile needle program in the Hill District. While illegal, volunteers offered clean needles to intravenous drug users in an attempt to curb the spread of HIV and other blood diseases. By 1998, Prevention Point Pittsburgh was forced underground after police began cracking down on needle exchange programs. In 2001, The Allegheny County Board of Health declared a public health emergency in regard to HIV and Hepatitis C. This act made needle exchange programs legal and Prevention Point Pittsburgh set up operations in Oakland at the Health Department parking lot. This pilot program was a success and a second site in the Hill District was established. Offered services grew to include comprehensive case management, assistance to drug treatment, individualized risk-reduction counseling, health education, condom and bleach distribution, overdose prevention, and free HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis screening in collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department.
Scope and Content Notes
Prevention Point Pittsburgh Records contains paper documents including hand outs, financial records, correspondence, legal documents, forms, and newspaper articles documenting the mission and activities of Prevention Point Pittsburgh. Of particular note are correspondence and newspaper articles written during the fight over the legality of needle exchange programs that represent both sides of the argument. The collection also includes volunteer information, hand outs given to drug addicts at the needle exchange locations, and materials such as financial records, forms, and legal documents related to the everyday operation of Prevention Point Pittsburgh.
Conditions Governing Access
None
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Prevention Point Pittsburgh in 2004.
Preferred Citation
Prevention Point Pittsburgh Records, 1996-2004, MSS 794, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Stephanie Johnson in May 2012.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Separated Materials
to museum: various drug paraphernalia
Subjects
- Allegheny County Health Department (Pa.)
- AIDS (Disease)--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh --Prevention.
- Needle exchange programs-- Pennsylvania-- Pittsburgh.
- Oakland (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Hill District (Pittsburgh, Pa.)