Monroe County could have a Needle Exchange Program in place soon.
County Commissioners voted Friday in support of Health Commissioner Thomas Sharp's Declaration for the program.
The push comes after Monroe County declared a public health emergency over an outbreak of Hepatitis C. The county has seen an increase in the number of people infected by over fifty-percent since 2009.
Several Community members and program leaders spoke in support of the program before the vote took place including Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller. County health administrator Penny Caudill, says the next step is approval from the State Health Commissioner.
"I think we've made a strong case already and I think we have good resources in this community and this is truly a community effort and response. And that will bode well, I think, for our application."
Caudill says the state has 10 days after receiving the declaration to respond or request more information, although they have the option to delay their decision for up to 20 days.