Lexington expands needle-exchange program

The Lexington-Fayette Health Department is expanding its needle exchange program.

Since September 2015, the needle-exchange program has collected over 400,000 used needles and provided proper disposal, keeping them out of public places.

More than 2,700 people have used the program, with an average of 175 coming in every Friday.

"It's something we wish we didn't have to have in Lexington, but with hepatitis C and HIV being so prominent in Kentucky, Kentucky has the highest hepatitis C per capita rate of any place in the country," said health department spokesman Kevin Hall.

The program is designed to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis in Lexington.

Used needles must be brought in to the health department in order receive clean needles.

The program is now being offered on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 along with Fridays from 11 to 4 in the community room of the health department at the corner of West Loudon Avenue and Newtown Pike.

The health department also offers free testing and on-site referrals to recovery programs.

"The thing we are most proud of is 128 people have entered rehab through this service," said Hall. "We have on-site counselors available to offer referrals into programs and so that is 128 people who get a second chance."

The health department also offers free Narcan from 11 to 1 on Fridays.