Bowling Green will become the latest city in Kentucky with a one-for-one needle exchange program for intravenous drug users.
The city council approved the program Tuesday.
The Warren County Health Department will administer the program. Barren River District Health Department district director Dennis Chaney said the syringe exchange would get dirty needles off the street and educate users about the dangers of using dirty needles and the resources available to them.
Health officials will also be urging users to be tested for HIV or Hepatitis C.
The Bowling Green Daily News reports health officials maintain for every dollar spent on a needle exchange, between $3 and $7 is saved on costs associated with HIV infection.
The Kentucky General Assembly passed a law in March authorizing the needle exchange programs.
