Harm Reduction Manual
What is a Syringe Services Program (SSP)?
Wednesday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
The health department (KCHD) seeks to provide exceptional care to every client. We want to work together with you to ensure you receive the clinical care, compassion and services that you need. Individuals visiting the clinic are also eligible to receive other services including hepatitis testing and vaccination, speaking with a recovery coach, help in signing up for health insurance, contraceptives, flu shots, IUD services, STD and HIV testing, and/or wound assessments. In addition, The health department holds Naloxone auto injector trainings at 12:30pm each Wednesday. If you would like further information on the Harm Reduction Clinic, Naloxone Trainings, or how you can become a volunteer, please contact Tina Ramirez or . If you would like to make a donation to the Harm Reduction Clinic to support its life saving efforts, please contact Kristi Justice, the Executive Director of the Kanawha County substance abuse coalition, Kanawha Communities that Care at or [email protected].
We began our harm reduction program on December 2, 2015 and had eight clients. At our February 22, 2017 clinic, we saw 216 patients. At our March 1st clinic we saw 256 patients, which is the highest since the program’s inception. We see a number of returning patients because they realize the harm reduction clinic provides a safe environment. We have had 7,040 visits to the clinic and have 2,228 patients who participate in the program.
What You Need to Know about Opioids
What you can expect
First visit
- You will be asked to create a member ID# that you will use every time you participate in the program.
- You will be asked several questions that will be used for statistical data.
- You will be educated about the program including your rights and responsibilities, needle exchange, referrals and available testing.
- You will be given the number of needles based on usage.
- You will be given a card with your member ID# that identifies you as a participant in the KCHD needle exchange program.
Return visit
- You will be asked your member ID#.
- You will be asked follow-up questions.
- You will dispose of your used needles in the sharps containers.
- You will be given the number of needles and supplies that you will need until the next clinic.
Needles will only be available for pick-up and disposal on Wednesdays from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Services are only available to those 18 years of age and older.
You have the responsibility to…
Be responsible for the syringes you are given and to return used syringes to KCHD in safe disposable containers.
Treat staff, interns, volunteers and community members with courtesy and respect without physical, sexual, verbal and/or emotional abuse, threats or intimidation.
Keep the area around the health department safe and do not engage in any drug activity that puts the KCHD at risk of closure.
Do not buy, sell or loan money or property while on the premises.
Protect the confidentiality of other participants encountered while participating in the harm reduction program.
Take only what is needed and dispose of used materials and supplies properly.
Notify the KCHD of any areas in the community where used needles are located.