Georgetown, KY Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

Section 20-1 of the Georgetown Code, from Ordinance No. 19-007 adopted April 8, 2019, is the city's own rule on needle exchange. Under subsection (a) the city council grants consent for a syringe exchange program (SEP) within the city, as KRS 218A.500(5)(b) requires, and the council can revoke that consent at any time. Unless it is revoked, the program is reviewed annually at the regular city council meeting falling closest to the date the ordinance was adopted.

Subsection (b) sets who can take part. Every participant gives enrollment information to WEDCO Scott County health department: age, the zip code of the participant's residence, and any additional information WEDCO elects to require so long as it can legally be requested. All participants must be at least 18 years old, and participants are not required to give their name or provide identification.

Subsection (c) sets the distribution caps. The maximum number of syringes handed out on a first visit is 40, and the maximum on a second visit is also 40. On a third visit a participant receives 40 syringes if they return 20 used syringes. From the fourth visit on, a participant receives one new syringe for each used syringe returned, up to a maximum of 40.

Subsection (d) requires a WEDCO Scott County representative to report to the city council every six months, starting six months after adoption. The report covers the number of participants requesting hepatitis C or HIV testing, the number identified as positive, the number requesting and directed to treatment, the number referred to rehabilitation facilities or services, and anything else the council asks for. Subsection (e) requires WEDCO to make all reasonable efforts to encourage participants to enroll in and complete a substance abuse program, including providing treatment providers and their contact information.