Why is harm reduction important?

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that Charleston, WV had the "most concerning HIV outbreak in the United States" and released a report stating that the best way to address the outbreak is low-barrier comprehensive syringe service programs.

Handing out clean supplies that reduce the spread of infections, providing naloxone, and training folks to respond to overdoses are just some of the ways harm reduction helps our whole community. Harm reduction engages those who have been historically mistreated by the medical community and treats them with care and compassion. 

What is a syringe service program? 

Syringe service programs (SSPs) are comprehensive programs designed to keep people safe while linking them to further care. While syringe exchange (also known as needle exchange) is part of a syringe service program, it is not the only part! SSPs also offer HIV and Hep C testing and treatment, Narcan and fentanyl test strips, wound care, and referrals to other medical providers for primary care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, vaccinations, and more. Unfortunately, on August 7th, 2023, Charleston's City Council and Mayor voted 9-17 to deny the WHC's request for a syringe service program license. Due to this, we are legally barred from distributing sterile syringes. The Harm Reduction program will be offering all other services listed here.

How can I use the harm reduction program? 

Our harm reduction program is free and anonymous*, with no ID or appointment required. Drop-in hours are 1-5 pm on Mondays and 9 a.m.-Noon on Thursdays and Fridays. We serve people who use drugs of all kinds in all ways (injecting, smoking, snorting, etc.) and treat everyone with dignity and respect.  

Participants 18 and older who wish to receive syringes* must provide some form of identification upon their first visit to the Harm Reduction program. For all subsequent visits, participants will be given a WV State Harm Reduction Program Identification Card which will serve as identification for all future visits. Acceptable initial identification documents include:

• WV DMV issued ID

• WV Birth Certificate (or completed application)

• WV Medical Record

• WV Insurance Card

• Verification of homelessness in WV by a WV homeless service worker

• Rental lease

• Utility bill (or other form of official mail such as court documents, government agencies)

• A pay stub or W2 showing a WV address

• A WV hunting, fishing, or any other recreational ID

• WV DMV Affidavit of West Virginia Residency

• COVID-19 Vaccination Card (or other vaccine record)

• Voter Registration

• Vehicle Registration

• Tax document

• Proof of WV public assistance

• WV bank statement

• WV auto insurance card

• Pharmacy Record showing WV Address.

• Letter from a WV homeless shelter, hotel, senior citizen's home, rehabilitation center, nursing home, children’s home, orphanage, shelter, battered women’s shelter, or Job Corps, including the facility’s physical address, that explains that the applicant is a resident at their facility

If you need assistance getting one of the above ID documents to utilize the syringe service program, please feel free to stop in during Harm Reduction program hours or contact the Harm Reduction Program Coordinator at 304-714-3353.

*Participants under the age of 18 or without any form of identification will not be eligible to receive syringes but can participate in all other aspects of the Harm Reduction Program.

What do I do if I see a syringe in my neighborhood?

If you are comfortable picking it up, you can use gloves or tongs to pick up the syringe by the plastic plunger end and deposit it into any thick-walled plastic container with a secured lid (if you do not have a sharps container, laundry detergent bottles, and similar puncture-proof containers can be used). Once the lid is secured, you can place the container into the WHC’s syringe disposal box, located behind the WHC in the alley.

If you are not comfortable picking it up, please feel free to text 304-932-0087 at any time and a trained volunteer will come pick it up for you.