Justice
Indiana's Other Shame: A Reluctance to Authorize Needle Exchange Programs
As long as we're piling on Governor Mike Pence, let us not overlook a recent HIV outbreak in his state.
On Saturday, Scott County, Indiana, opened a 30-day needle exchange program to confront a serious HIV outbreak spreading among those injecting the powerful prescription opiate Opana. Governor Mike Pence has said that the program is temporary and only justified by the public health emergency gripping the impoverished rural area, and insists that he would veto legislation to authorize needle exchanges statewide.
"I don't believe effective anti-drug policy involves handing out drug paraphernalia," said Pence, as quoted by the Indianapolis Star.