Utah needle exchange program put on hold

Utah needle exchange program put on hold

(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News, File)


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OGDEN — A Utah needle exchange program has been put on hold following concerns from law enforcement that it would encourage drug use.

Leaders of the program plan to meet with law enforcement officials to answer their questions before moving forward with the plan, the Standard-Examiner reported Thursday.

The program was expected to start last week. It is designed to curb the spread of such diseases as hepatitis C and HIV by making clean needles available.

Utah Department of Health education and training coordinator Heather Bush said needle exchange programs can help reduce drug use by keeping drug users healthy and directing them to counseling programs.

Utah legalized needle exchange programs last year in hopes of curbing the state's rise in illegal drug use and the spread of diseases contracted through dirty needles.

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