Indiana lawmakers OK needle exchange programs

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A proposal to allow needle exchanges in Indiana communities with proven high rates of hepatitis C or HIV is headed to Republican Governor Mike Pence as the state battles its worst HIV outbreak in decades.

Lawmakers on Wednesday approved a bill allowing communities to seek state approval for a needle-exchange program if they can prove they’re in the midst of an epidemic that’s spreading through intravenous drug use.

The bill follows an HIV outbreak in southern Indiana. State health officials say more than 140 people with ties to Scott County have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

Pence has approved a short-term needle exchange in the county as part of a public health emergency declaration. Scott County typically sees about five new HIV cases a year.