For decades, public health experts have known that syringe exchange programs reduce the spread of certain viral infections - like H.I.V.,hepatitis B and hepatitis C - by removing infected needles from circulation. Studies have shown that programs using sterile injection equipment are both safe and save money. And yet they are rarely seen in the United States. Why not? That's the topic of this week's Healthcare Triage. This episode was adapted from a column Austin wrote for The Upshot. Links to references and further reading can be found there: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/05/upshot/politics-are-tricky-but-science-is-clear-needle-exchanges-work.html John Green -- Executive Producer Stan Muller -- Director, Producer Aaron Carroll -- Writer Mark Olsen -- Graphics http://www.twitter.com/aaronecarroll http://www.twitter.com/crashcoursestan http://www.twitter.com/johngreen http://www.twitter.com/olsenvideo And the housekeeping: 1) You can support Healthcare Triage on Patreon: http://vid.io/xqXr Every little bit helps make the show better! 2) Check out our Facebook page: http://goo.gl/LnOq5z 3) We still have merchandise available at http://www.hctmerch.com