(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County has well more than twice the state average of hepatitis C cases. That’s one of the primary reasons that Wayne County Health Department Director Eric Coulter pushed for a needle exchange program at a public hearing on the issue Wednesday afternoon. Treating just one case of hepatitis C can cost up to $100,000, and that often falls to the taxpayer. Commissioners Wednesday did not vote on whether or not to pursue the program. They took all comments under advisement, but could act as soon as next week.