Associated Press Published

Huntington Syringe Exchange Given Grant to Expand

syringe, needles

West Virginia’s first syringe exchange program has received a $75,000 grant to expand.

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington reports that the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation awarded the grant Thursday to support education and risk reduction programs for drug-addicted individuals. The syringe exchange program was started in September by the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.

The Huntington program allows intravenous drug users to exchange used needles for clean ones at a clinic. Physician Director Dr. Michael Kilkenny says the grant will help the clinic, which he says needs to expand its hours to facilitate the number of addicts who are using the program.

The syringe exchange program is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.