About Harm Reduction

We offer free Naloxone training at our facility every third Tuesday of the month at 10:00am and 10:30am. Please visit our Calendar page for a complete list of dates.

One of the missions of local health departments is to address unmet public health needs in the community. Harm Reduction Programs have been operating in West Virginia since 2011, providing sterile syringes, collecting non-sterile (used) syringes, and acting as points of access to prevention, testing and treatment for blood-borne diseases as well as providing family planning and referrals to medical treatment and social services.

Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce harms related to substance use. Harm reduction includes many options and approaches; it may also include abstinence, or not using substances at all. Stopping all substance use isn’t required before receiving care. It meets people wherever they are in their substance use journey. Harm reduction strategies and services can lessen the consequences associated with substance use. The consequences include social, physical, emotional and/or spiritual concerns. It also involves outreach and support programs and referrals to health and support services. Harm reduction helps ensure services are non-judgmental and available to all.

Harm reduction treats people with respect. It helps people connect with others and develop healthy relationships. It involves working directly with people and their communities. The service helps individuals, families and friends learn harm reduction skills to apply to their everyday lifestyles.