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Clark County is considering a needle exchange program to combat the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C.
file photoClark County, just north of Louisville, is considering implementing a needle exchange program to prevent an HIV outbreak similar to the one that’s plagued neighboring Scott County.
Clark County Public Health Officer, Dr. Kevin Burke has already declared a public health emergency. He says the county’s HIV and Hepatitis C rates are 25 to 30 percent higher than the state average.
That’s why he’s asking the county to consider implementing a needle exchange program – to prevent those cases from spiking even more.
County commissioners will hold a meeting July 30 to get public input on the potential needle exchange program before taking a vote.
The exchange would have to be approved by the State Health Commissioner would have to approve the exchange before being it could be implemented.
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