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W. Va. Syringe Exchange Program Launched
By: Associated Press
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) – A syringe exchange program is being launched to reduce diseases within Cabell County’s population of injection-drug users.
State and local officials announced the one-year pilot program on Thursday at a news conference in Huntington.
Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Karen L. Bowling says the state will provide $10,000 to the Cabell-Huntington Health Department to launch the one-year pilot Another $10,000 will be provided for technical support.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says syringe exchange programs can help reduce the spread of bloodborne illnesses such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Delegate Matthew Rohrbach says the Cabell County program also can help drug users get treatment and return them to the mainstream.