Marion County Public Health Department director Dr. Virginia A. Caine declared a public health epidemic and proposed a syringe exchange program Thursday morning, citing a 1,000 percent increase in the number of hepatitis C cases from 2013 to 2017 and the potential for an HIV outbreak.

The new study will track 160 kidney transplants. Recipients will be monitored after surgery for signs of organ rejection, organ failure, and HIV-related complications.

Black men who have sex with men make up the largest share of new HIV cases. Yet funding for prevention and health care isn't targeted toward this community. This leaves grassroots groups to pick up the slack.

Some public health experts think Marion County should be among those starting their own exchanges to prevent the spread of diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV.

The Indiana State Department of Health says it's the largest award for HIV services in the state's history.

The unique camp session began in 1995. At the time, HIV and AIDS were so loaded with stigma, people wouldn't talk about it. Even within their own families.

Gov. Mike Pence's decisions about health and healthcare in Indiana have drawn attention from within and outside the state. And his record could be important in November, because his running mate doesn't have a legislative record at all. Here's a quick look at the governor's record on health policy in Indiana.

Wayne County ranks fourth in the state in Hepatitis C cases. They will work with Centerstone and Reed Health regional hospital to fund and staff the program.

The Allen County Board of Commissioners approved a needle exchange program to curb the spread of hepatitis C and HIV with a 2-1 vote.

Since the beginning of last year, only 69 Scott County residents have gone into the inpatient rehab program run by the community mental health center, and that includes the people who didn't finish.