Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, April 13, 2015
(AUSTIN) - According to state health officials the number of cases in the HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana has now reached 106 - 95 confirmed and 11 preliminary positive cases.
This number is expected to rise as more individuals seek testing and health officials continue to follow up on contacts of positive cases.
"The fact that we now have more than 100 cases of HIV related to this outbreak speaks to the urgent need to raise awareness about injection drug use and its connection to HIV," said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H.
State, local and federal officials are working to provide a comprehensive response to the outbreak, which in includes the establishment of a One-Stop Shop for services, a weekly HIV testing and treatment clinic, a needle exchange program and a public awareness campaign called You Are Not Alone.
The Scott County needle exchange program began April 4 and is located at the Austin Community Outreach Center. An Executive Order issued by Governor Pence temporarily suspends the Indiana Code on needle exchange within Scott County. The Executive Order and needle exchange program expire April 25, but will be evaluated at the end of that period to determine if they should be continued.
The needle exchange program is for Scott County residents only and allows participating individuals to receive enough needles for one week based on reported drug use. Participants are asked to bring their used needles to exchange for clean ones. The needle exchange presents an opportunity for health representatives to provide information about substance abuse treatment, as well as information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. It also allows for proper disposal of used needles, which can prevent accidental needle-stick hazards.
As of 3 p.m. on April 9, 437 syringes had been turned in and 1,151 syringes had been distributed. A grassroots organization called Take Back Scott County has organized a Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 11. Volunteers will be trained by the local Emergency Management Agency and will take to the streets to clean up used syringes. All volunteers will be equipped with proper safety equipment and sharps containers.
The needle exchange is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Community Outreach Center. Grace Covenant Church is providing free shuttle service to and from Austin by calling (317) 617-2223.
The One-Stop Shop provides free HIV testing, vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and information about HIV and hepatitis prevention, treatment and resources. Substance abuse referrals are available and individuals can also get assistance in enrolling in Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP 2.0) insurance. The One-Stop Shop Info Line is (317) 605-1480.
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov. Follow the Indiana State Department of Health on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.
Hoosiers who do not have health care coverage or access to a doctor are encouraged to check availability for the new Healthy Indiana Plan--HIP 2.0--by visiting www.HIP.IN.gov or calling 1-877-GET-HIP-9.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.