by: Tyler Melito
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Over the last seven years, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has been fighting hard against the spread of viruses such as Hepatitis-C and HIV, and one of the ways they have done this is through their Harm Reduction Program.
Part of what the program offers is a safe place for people to exchange used needles.
In February alone, the health department collected more than 46,000 needles, which is a small percentage of the more than 4,500,000 needles safely disposed of since the program began.
National estimates say needle exchange programs like this reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C by roughly 50%.
The program has grown to more than a needle exchange service, it has also become an educational experience, providing resources to people who are using drugs about the health risks of Hep-C and HIV.
The program has also acted as a support system for people battling addiction, who are looking to get sober. Last month, more than 1,000 people utilized the Harm Reduction Program and 147 naloxone kits were given out.