ANDERSON – By a split vote, the board of directors for Aspire Indiana Health has voted to start a Harm Reduction Program that will include a syringe exchange.
After three months of discussion, the board voted Thursday 8-5 to implement the program with the goal to reduce the spread of hepatitis C and HIV in Madison County and to encourage drug users to take advantage of available treatment programs.
A change in the program was the elimination of a kit that included a tourniquet. Only syringes and “cookers” will be distributed.
The Madison County Commissioners, which has to approve Aspire Indiana Health to operate the program in the county, is expected to consider a request in April.
Syd Ehmke, chief operating officer, explained the Harm Reduction Program (HARP) would include testing for HIV and hepatitis C, a syringe exchange, vaccinations for hepatitis C and B, and an outpatient detoxification plan.
Ehmke said the intent is to make the syringe exchange that is part of the program as close to a one-to-one exchange as possible.
The exchange rate of syringes was a criticism by members of the Madison County Council when it voted to end the program managed by the Madison County Health Department last August.
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