NEWS

Wayne County needle exchange vote might be next week

Rachel E. Sheeley
rsheeley@richmond.gannett.com

The Wayne County Commissioners tabled a decision on applying to implement a syringe exchange program in order to put application paperwork together and to share concerns about a proposed location for the program.

During a public hearing March 30 on the proposed program, Wayne County Health Department executive director Eric Coulter told the commissioners and about 50 others in attendance that Wayne County's hepatitis C situation is "desperate" and that he favors an exchange program.

A needle exchange program allows people to anonymously exchange their used needles for clean ones to help prevent the spread of disease.

Wayne County has recorded 179 hepatitis C cases per 100,000 people, according to statistics presented March 30, while the state average is 69 per 100,000. Health department officials said the number of cases likely would rise during an exchange program's first year because testing at the exchange site would expand the scope of knowledge about area drug users' medical conditions.

The proposed exchange would provide clean syringes and needles, and their safe disposal, to those who use opiates delivered by needles. The frequent sharing of those needles among users, increasing the risk of spreading serious illnesses in the community.

About two-thirds of the nation’s states have needle sharing programs, but it wasn’t until last spring that the Indiana General Assembly approved one-year needle exchange programs in Indiana.

The decision came after an outbreak of HIV and hepatitis C infections because of needle sharing in Scott County.

Wayne County health officials began planning for a needle exchange program in September 2015, after county health officer Dr. David Keller declared a health emergency here because of the number of HIV and hepatitis C infections.

You're invited to 3 forums about drugs

On Wednesday, Wayne County's three commissioners put off voting on the program until all paperwork to be filed with the state health commissioner is complete.

Ron Cross, the county attorney, recommended that the paperwork include a list of the ways the county has attempted to curb needle-sharing and associated diseases and how those attempts proved ineffective.

The county commissioners also are waiting for official documents from the non-profit program providers, Centerstone and Reid Health. Commissioner Mary Anne Butters said those documents were expected to be completed by the end of Wednesday.

Commissioner Denny Burns said he has heard concerns from many constituents regarding the possibility of locating the exchange program  in a residential neighborhood.

Centerstone, which provides mental health services, is expected to house the exchange program at one of its Richmond facilities.

"We need to be responsive to the public," Burns said. "Before we approve this, we have input. Afterward, we don't."

Tully: Meet heroin's tiniest, youngest victims

Burns and commission president Ken Paust agreed that Coulter should ask Centerstone to reconsider a residential neighborhood location.

In contrast, Butters said the location under consideration — which commissioners are not making public — might be ideal because it is a residential area at the epicenter of heroin use.

Burns said that he would only be in favor of the proposed location in a residential neighborhood if statistics prove it is the epicenter of the problem.

All three commissioners agreed that the Wayne County Health Clinic shouldn't be the home to the needle exchange because its proximity to the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the Richmond Police Department would be off-putting to those who need to use the exchange. Commissioners also are against using the clinic because many children receive treatment there and the children shouldn't be exposed to the needle exchange if possible.

The commissioners will return to the issue at their next meeting on April 13.

If the Wayne County Commissioners vote to apply for the syringe exchange program, State Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams will make will make the final decision on Wayne County’s application, with an answer expected within 30 days of local approval.

Senate passes bill to combat painkiller abuse, addiction

Popular podcast shines light on Austin, Ind.