Needle-exchange program adds rehabilitation referral service

Lexington’s needle-exchange program is adding another service: on-site referrals to rehabilitation programs.

Amy Baker, program administrator with the city’s Substance Abuse and Violence Intervention program, will be available from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s needle exchange at 650 Newtown Pike.

The program is held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays. The free, anonymous and confidential program is designed to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis. Used needles must be brought in to receive clean needles. Since opening Sept. 4, the program has received 10,297 used needles and given out 10,803 clean needles.

The program also offers testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and educational materials. Referrals and counseling are available for those who test positive for HIV.

For more information, go to Lexingtonhealthdepartment.org.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 9:54 AM with the headline "Needle-exchange program adds rehabilitation referral service."