AIDS Resource Center in La Crosse hits milestone of 300,000 needles

In 2008, the number of free needles given out was 11,000

The La Crosse branch of the Aids Resource Center has been increasing exponentially the number of free needles it’s been handing out. In 2008, that number was 11,000. This year, it’s 300,000.

Despite an endorsement from the CDC for needle exchanges, it doesn’t ease the anxiety many feel about the service, especially with increasing reports of found needles in parks, playground, parking ramps and other public areas.

In a new report, the government health agency says the exchanges help to significantly decrease infection rates of HiV and hepatitis C.

“One of the first it indicates is that there’s been a rather expansive growth of intravenous drug use,” La Crosse police Capt. Jason Melby said.

Melby added that the distribution of such a large number of needles clearly “is contributing to the number of disposed needles in the community.”

Up until recently, it was just the fire department that would pick up and dispose of used drug syringes.  Now, other city departments have been outfitted with equipment and given training to collect needles.

Back in March, assistant police chief Rob Abraham with the La Crosse Police Dept. came to the WIZM studio to show us exactly what someone would get with a needle exchange kit.