INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ An infectious disease expert told a legislative panel that about 20 Indiana counties could soon have needle-exchange programs either in place or in the works to help prevent the spread of diseases among intravenous drug users.
Indiana's health commissioner has approved needle-exchanges in Scott, Madison and Fayette counties to combat the spread of HIV and hepatitis C under a new state law spurred by the largest HIV outbreak in state history. The Indianapolis Star reports needle exchanges provide IV drug users with clean needles to combat needle-sharing among those users that spread diseases.
Beth Meyerson, co-director of Indiana University's Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, told a legislative study committee Monday that within the next month about 20 counties may have needle exchange programs in place or on the way.
