How Needle Exchange Closure Affects Perception of Harm Reduction Policy

On this West Virginia Morning, one of the biggest battles in drug treatment and recovery is overcoming stigma. For our final segment in a series on the failed Charleston needle exchange, we take a look at how its closure has affected the community’s perception of harm reduction policy. Kara Lofton reports that things like harm reduction, safety and crime have become as much about politics as public health.

And we hear the Mountain Stage Song of the Week – a song from Asheville, North Carolina-based roots-pop group River Whyless from their second appearance on Mountain Stage. during this week’s broadcast. “Born In The Right Country” touches on themes of race, class and privilege.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.

West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Molly Born, Jessica Lilly, Kara Lofton, Liz McCormick, Dave Mistich, Brittany Patterson and Roxy Todd.

Our news director is Jesse Wright, our producer is Glynis Board and our host is Teresa Wills.