TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. -- A new syringe exchange program has begun in Tippecanoe County in response to a public health emergency due to the increasing number of hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs.
Gateway to Hope is a county and state approved program that offers clean needles to users to help combat the spread of disease and infection.
In addition to syringe services, Gateway to Hope will provide referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, safe disposal of syringes, testing for hepatitis C and HIV, vaccinations, personal care kits and access to a health insurance navigator.
Eight other Indiana counties have similar programs.
Gateway to Hope services will be provided at the Tippecanoe County Health Department at 629 North 6th Street in Lafayette on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
