A Utah needle exchange program has been put on hold following concerns from law enforcement that it would encourage drug use.
The Standard-Examiner of Ogden reported Thursday that the leaders of the program plan to meet with law enforcement officials to answer their questions before moving forward with the plan.
The program was expected to start last week. It is designed to curb the spread of such diseases as Hepatitis C and the HIV virus by making clean needles available.
Utah Department of Health's Heather Bush says 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 the hopes of curbing the state's rise in illegal drug usage and the spread of diseases contracted through dirty needles.
