July 28, 2015

Madison County Launching Needle-Exchange Next Week

Associated Press
Madison County in June became the second Indiana county to win state approval for a needle-exchange program under a new state law. - file photo

Madison County in June became the second Indiana county to win state approval for a needle-exchange program under a new state law.

file photo

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — A central Indiana county that won state approval last month to operate a needle-exchange program will launch that effort next week to combat the spread of diseases among intravenous drug users.

Madison County Health Department spokeswoman Kellie Kelley tells The Herald Bulletin the needle-exchange program will start next Wednesday and rotate between four sites in hopes of reducing the spread of hepatitis C among IV drug users.

Madison County in June became the second Indiana county to win state approval for a needle-exchange program under a new state law.

That law was approved amid an HIV outbreak in southern Indiana's Scott County that's become the largest such outbreak in Indiana history. That outbreak's been fueled by needle-sharing among IV drug users.

Scott County's needle-exchange program was approved in May.

Tags:syringe exchangehepatitis CHIVMadison County
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Families could lose thousands in income if Indiana reduces payments to parents of kids with disabilities
Health / February 29, 2024

Families could lose thousands in income if Indiana reduces payments to parents of kids with disabilities

A proposal by Indiana Medicaid officials would drastically cut payments that thousands of families of people with disabilities relied on. State officials say it's necessary to curb ballooning utilization and plug a huge budget gap. But some families worry the changes could lead to them losing their jobs or even their homes.
Read More
Indiana governor urges the feds to reconsider nursing homes staffing requirements
Health / December 27, 2023

Indiana governor urges the feds to reconsider nursing homes staffing requirements

New proposed federal rules for nursing home staffing levels elicited mixed reactions. Nursing home workers say they're much needed and long overdue. But some Republican governors echo the long-term care industry's concerns. They say the measures will push some facilities to shut down.
Read More
The Checkup: Are my eclipse glasses legit? How do I protect my eyes?
Health / April 1, 2024

The Checkup: Are my eclipse glasses legit? How do I protect my eyes?

Why do I need special solar eclipse viewers? How do I check if my eclipse glasses are not fake and are safe to use? Can I look through my phone? We answer these questions and more ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse.
Read More