Needle Exchange Begins in Scott County

AUSTIN — A needle exchange program in Scott County began Saturday, after Gov. Mike Pence authorized it as a way to combat a recent HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana.

Clean needle exchanges are not legal in Indiana, but Pence's executive order temporarily suspends the statewide ban, only in Scott County.

On Saturday, state health officials reported a total of 89 cases of HIV-related cases (84 confirmed and five preliminary positive cases).

Late last month, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Pence that the HIV outbreak in Scott County is an epidemic and based on that information, he declared that a public health disaster emergency exists in Scott County.  The Executive Order and needle exchange program expire April 25, but will be evaluated at the end of that period to determine if it should be continued.

The state health department said that the needle exchange program includes Scott County residents only and participants will be asked to discuss their rate of drug use. The program will collect basic demographic information for research and statistical purposes.

"As State Health Commissioner and a physician, it is my hope that Scott County residents who need these services will take advantage of them and get the help they need and want,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, in a statement.

Participating individuals will receive enough needles for one week. When in need of additional needles, participants are asked to bring their used needles to exchange. The needle exchange will also present an opportunity for health representatives to provide information about substance abuse treatment, as well as information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The needle exchange will take place at the One-Stop Shop located at the Community Outreach Center, 2277 W. Frontage Road, Austin, IN. Operated by the Scott County Health Department, the program will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Center will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 5). Grace Covenance Church has provided a free shuttle service to and from the One-Stop Shop from Austin by calling (317) 617-2223.

The State Health Department has also established an incident command center in Scott County to expedite services and messages.  The One-Stop Shop is open to provide free HIV testing, vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and information about HIV and hepatitis prevention, treatment and resources. Substance abuse referrals are available and individuals can also get assistance in enrolling in Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP 2.0) insurance. The One-Stop Shop Info Line is (317) 605-1480.