Scott County aims to ‘change our image’ with opioid settlement funds

By: Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism staff, Niki Kelly, Cierra Putman

Outlets: Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published: May 14, 2026

Words: 844

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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In 2015, Austin, Indiana, made national headlines for an HIV outbreak spurred by shared needles and substance abuse. Austin was later the first town to implement Indiana’s needle exchange program, which helped stem the spread of HIV.

When Chris Fugate, the City of Austin clerk-treasurer, learned about the availability of opioid settlement funds, he was hopeful it would be a way to turn the town and its reputation around.

“There’s so many good things about …

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