How Effective Are Needle Exchange Programs?

There are more than 300 needle exchange programs in the U.S., according to the North American Syringe Exchange Network — a number that has increased since the rise of the opioid epidemic. The aim: reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks.

But some cities, including Charleston, West Virginia, have shut down their programs, citing mismanagement and other problems. Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with Ricky Bluthenthal (@DrPtw), professor of preventative medicine at the University of Southern California, who studies the effectiveness of such programs.