Scott County needle exchange collects thousands of needles as lawmakers consider allowing other exchanges

As lawmakers in Indiana consider whether to legalize needle exchanges in certain communities, health officials in Scott County say they’ve collected nearly 6,500 needles with its exchange program authorized by an emergency declaration.

Currently, needle exchanges to combat drug use are illegal in Indiana. Scott County’s exchange can operate until May 24 under a public health emergency order signed by Governor Mike Pence. A bill being considered by the General Assembly would make such exchanges legal in communities that can prove to the state health commissioner they have high rates of hepatitis C or injection drug use.

Scott County health officials say the 6,500 needles come from the exchange’s 166 patients and from community members calling in the locations of discarded and possibly contaminated needles.

Health officials also say they’ve confirmed 143 cases of HIV in the southeastern Indiana county.