AIDS in the Circle City
IDU Problems and Solutions
The MSM problem is one that is clearly present in Indianapolis, but one that is perhaps also pressing is the problem among intravenous drug users (IDU). Just under 15% of all people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were involved in intravenous drug using. The obvious solution to this problem would be to institute a syringe exchange program (SEP). SEPs provide a necessary service. From the MMWR, they “provide health and social services to IDUs who might not otherwise be reached. They also remove syringes that are potentially contaminated with HIV…”[1] In 2002, Indianapolis ranked as one of the nation’s higest SEPs (there is only one in the city, as they are not supported by the local government) exchanging 1.0 million needles in a year.[2] In 2004, the Harm Reduction Institute received a $5,000 grant to educate IDUs about maintaining vein care, HIV prevention, and using clean needles.[3] Currently, there is no city-wide SEP, but Larry Pasco, head of the Harm Reduction Institute and a member of the HIV Prevention Commuity Planning Group in Indianapolis, continues to push for the legalization and establishment of SEPs throughout the city.
