Harm Reduction Program

Harm Reduction Programs have been operating in West Virginia since 2011, providing sterile syringes, collecting non-sterile (used) syringes, and acting as points of access to prevention, testing and treatment for blood-borne diseases as well as providing family planning and referrals to medical treatment and social services.

Services Provided:

Naloxone Class: This training opportunity is open to the public and FREE to attend. Please ask us for training dates.*Receive training and have Narcan mailed directly to you: https://www.wvdii.org/naloxone
Peer Recovery Coaches: Clients are able to speak to someone with questions regarding recovery. Our coaches will assist with placement into a program.
Spiritual Care: A chaplain with the Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE) from St. Mary’s joins us every week.
Social Work: Master level students from Marshall University assist with the program. Clients may speak with these individuals regarding food stamps, shelter, counseling, etc.
Nurse Practitioner: We have a nurse practitioner on site that clients may see if needed. STD, Family Planning, and testing for infectious diseases are available as well.
Volunteers: Many community members volunteer their time and are vital to our program

Program Overview:

New and Return clients must meet with our Peer Recovery Coach.
Proof of Cabell County or Huntington residency required.
Return clients must return syringes to have access to the exchange.
Program Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; All new enrollments need to arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. Closed on holidays.

Special points of interest:

WV Bureau for Public Health Certified Program
Monthly data collected and reported to WVBPH.
Funding is provided by grants.
Our Advisory Panel represents diverse sectors of the community to serve as guidance for the program.

3 Main Program Goals:

Reduce the spread of infection and disease by providing clean supplies.
Promote and facilitate referrals to primary health care, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Reduce the overdose rate by providing Naloxone and rescue breathing training.

Additional Goals:

Provide safe disposal of syringes.
Raise awareness about the risk of overdose and associated fatalities.
Reduce stigma and discrimination.
Ensure full and equitable reach of HR services and education to all community members.