Louisville prepares to launch needle-exchange program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville is poised to become Kentucky’s first city to offer a needle-exchange program to combat heroin addiction.

Health officials say needle exchanges will begin Wednesday in a trailer parked outside the city’s Public Health and Wellness headquarters.

The goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C and steer drug users into treatment.

Interim Public Health and Wellness director Dr. Sarah Moyer said Tuesday she expects a slow start for the program, but predicts it will gain momentum from community outreach. She says one key is to build trust with participants.

The needle exchange is an outgrowth of the state’s sweeping anti-heroin law. It allows local governments to set up needle exchanges.

In Kentucky’s second-largest city, Lexington health officials are crafting a proposal to present to Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.