Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams testified today before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in Washington D.C about the HIV outbreak in southern Indiana. Adams says the number of positive cases is up to 160.
He suggests a three-part system for dealing with the drug abuse that led to the epidemic and suggested ways to reduce the stigma of drug abuse.
"Number one, we need to stop the flow of opioids into communities," Adams says. "Number two we need to deal with the personal and public health consequences of communities with overflow of both opioids and people engaging in high risk activities. Number three we need to create an outlet for those seeking recovery from substance use disorder."
Adams approved Scott County's request to extend its needle exchange program for one year this morning. The program has seen more than 14,000 dirty needles coming in with more than 16,000 clean ones going out.
Network Indiana contributed to this report.