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.