McMECHEN, W.Va. — The state Department of Health and Human Resources announced Monday patients who received injections at a Marshall County pain clinic for a three-year period may need to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The agency said Valley Pain Management in McMechen reused syringes to enter vials and saline bags that had been used for more than one patient. The practice took place from when the clinic opened in 2010 to Nov. 1, 2013.
“Our primary responsibility in public health is to protect the public. While we cannot determine if these procedures caused any illnesses, it is possible this practice may have exposed Valley Pain Management patients to infections” State Health Officer Dr. Letitia Tierney said Monday in a news release from the agency.
DHHR has been trying to get a patient list from clinic but so far Valley Pain Management has refused those attempts. Dr. Tierney said they need to be able to properly notify those who were patients at the clinic during the time. DHHR has issued an administrative subpoena and has promised more legal action if necessary.
“The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health has worked very hard with our local public health partners, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the CDC to understand the risk of hepatitis B, C or HIV for patients at Valley Pain Management, which is why access to the patient list is critical,” Tierney said.
The DHHR said testing is available for patients until Oct. 21 at the following locations:
Hancock County Health Department (304) 564-3343
Brooke County Health Department (304) 737-3665
Wheeling – Ohio Health Department (304) 234-3682
Marshall County Health Department (304) 845-7840
Wetzel – Tyler Health Department (304) 337-2001
Ohio residents should call 1-844-593-5184 for additional information.
Pennsylvania residents should call 877-PA HEALTH (877-724-3258) to make arrangements for testing.
Patients should call the clinics first to set up an appointment according to the DHHR.