Madison County Seeking State Approval For Needle Exchange

Madison County, in Central Indiana, is requesting state approval to implement a needle exchange.

The number of new Hepatitis C cases in Madison County has been steadily climbing since 2013. This year’s preliminary cases put the county on track to match or exceed last year’s 130 new cases. A comparison of the cases points to a network of intravenous drug users between the ages of 20 and 39 as the cause.

Madison County Public Health Coordinator Stephenie Grimes says the needle exchange could enhance HIV and STD testing and referrals for substance abuse treatment.

"My hope is we build a good, strong relationship with our population and that we are more trusted," Grimes said. "And as a result of this program that we are seeing decreased numbers in hepatitis and HIV and IV drug use and increased numbers in people who are signing up for health care, getting substance abuse treatment and behavioral health counseling."

The Madison County Health Department plans on submitting its request to the Indiana State Department of Health later this week. The department will have 10 days to either approve the request or request additional information from the county.

Scott County’s HIV outbreak, earlier this year, led to legislation allowing county health departments to request temporary needle exchange programs.

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