PINEVILLE, W.Va. — A needle exchange program will be implemented in Wyoming County as part of the Wyoming County Health Department’s overall harm reduction program.
The services are the result of a $40,000 grant from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. In addition to the needle exchange the program will include counseling, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, and immunizations.
Needle exchange is a method being used in many areas nationwide as an effective way to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis. In Charleston the program at the Kanawha Charleston Health Department has been under fire for an abundance of used needles which are winding up in public places across the city.
Wyoming County’s program will also include a new mobile unit to use in other parts of Wyoming County.