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Volunteer Syringe Initiative Tries To Fill Gaps After Charleston Program Shuts Down

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On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about a volunteer initiative in Charleston that offers clean syringes to people struggling with substance use disorder. Also, we share updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and other news from around the region.

West Virginia is gearing up to distribute coronavirus vaccines. As Dave Mistich reports, the initial rollout of the vaccine is expected in the coming weeks.

West Virginians now have access to free in-home coronavirus test kits. Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday that the state is partnering with Vault Health in offering testing kits to residents at no charge. Here are the details.

The convoluted bankruptcy of coal company Blackjewel has taken another turn as the company’s former CEO moved to liquidate the company. Sydney Boles has the story.

A Charleston Police Department patrol officer was shot this week in the city. Officials announced last night that she was taken off life support and wouldn’t survive her injuries. Caitlin Tan reports.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office had received certified election results from a little more than two thirds of the state’s counties. More are still on the way. Emily Allen reports.

A volunteer group in Charleston called SOAR, or Solutions Oriented Addiction Response, has come under fire from city officials for distributing syringes in the community. SOAR began distributing syringes sometime after the 2018 shutdown of the Kanawha Charleston Health Department syringe program. But the group suspended their program three weeks ago after the city’s police chief claimed they were violating a municipal ordinance. But, as Kyle Vass reports, handing out syringes within city limits might be perfectly legal.

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

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