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Number Of New HIV Cases In Southern Indiana Tops 150

Kreg Steppe
/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/spyndle/535493117

The number of new HIV infections in southeastern Indiana now sits at 153.

While the number of cases continues to rise, incidence of infection has slowed down, and officials hope to see it plateau soon.

A local community outreach center in Scott County has become a one-stop shop for testing, HIV treatment coordination and, insurance enrollment. Since the outbreak has been linked to injection drug use, referrals for addiction treatment are also available.

As a part of the emergency response, health workers are operating a clean needle exchange, letting drug users trade dirty needles for clean ones. Drug users can get needles at the outreach center, or through mobile units that operate in the community.

Since Governor Pence authorized the program in late March, more than 13,000 clean syringes have been distributed.

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