Needle exchange begins Thursday in Clermont County

A syringe exchange program launches this week in Clermont County as part of an effort to stem a spike in HIV and hepatitis C cases. Starting Thursday, the exchange will offer free services from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mercy Health's Clermont Hospital on 3000 Hospital Drive in Batavia. Public health officials say the programs, which give IV drug users clean needles and offer a range of testing and medical services, are critical and proven to reduce the spread of life-threatening and costly infectious diseases. But not every community has welcomed the programs with open arms. Leaders in Anderson Township are still considering whether to host a site, as well as communities in Northern Kentucky.