900 syringes distributed at start of Monroe County program

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) – A nonprofit group says it has distributed more than 900 clean syringes in Monroe County since it started a needle-exchange project earlier this week.

The (Bloomington) Herald Times reports that the Indiana Recovery Alliance hopes word of mouth will increase participation. The group says it thinks the initial response was slower because there was a snowstorm on Sunday.

Monroe County was approved for a needle exchange in December when the state health commissioner declared a public health emergency. That allowed the creation of a needle-exchange program to curb the spread of hepatitis C tied to intravenous drug use.

Scott, Madison and Fayette counties also have state approval for needle exchanges.

Legislation the General Assembly approved last year allows needle exchanges once the state health commissioner declares a public health emergency.