Harm Reduction Services

Whitley County Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program has been modeled after successful programs around the country. The goal of the Harm Reduction program is to reduce transmission of blood-borne diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C among persons who inject drugs and to protect their sexual partners and families. Whitley County has been identified as the 14^th most vulnerable county in the country at risk for HIV/hepatitis C infection among persons who inject drugs. There were 220 counties in 26 states that were identified by the CDC in 2019. The program is a highly effective public health intervention that helps stop the spread of Hepatitis B, C, and HIV.

It uses a cost-effective approach by using existing staff and infrastructure. Syringe service programs are a tool to reduce the threat of infectious diseases that may be spread through contaminated equipment, as well as a way to connect people who inject drugs to treatment resources and other health services. The services are open to anyone who uses injection drugs.

Hours and Locations of Syringe Exchange Services

Williamsburg Location

368 Penny Ln, Williamsburg, KY 40769

Tuesday and Thursday, 8am -4pm

Corbin Location

3750 Cumberland Falls Hwy, Corbin, KY 40701

Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm

Anonymous and Confidential

WC HR Inforaphic

naloxone flyer

Participant Rights and Responsibilities

Kentucky Syringe Service Program Locations & Hours by County

How we conduct services:

Syringe exchange services are provided on an anonymous basis and all other services and referrals are completely confidential
The program provides sterile syringes in exchange for used syringes and safe syringe disposal
Testing for HIV and other blood-borne pathogens
Education on syringe disposal, safe injection, and overdose prevention
Immunizations: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are vaccine-preventable
Naloxone (NARCAN)
Condoms, lubricant and wound care
All Participants may be linked to services such as:
- Substance abuse treatment services
- HIV or Hepatitis C treatment providers
- Other Health Department programs

Clean Needles Save Lives

Facts:

SSPs do not encourage the initiation of drug use nor do they increase the frequency of drug use among current users.
SSPs reduce the spread of infections like HIV and viral hepatitis.
SSPs do not increase community crime. Community residents may worry that syringe services locations will increase theft, sex trades, assaults, and an increase of contaminated needles on the street. However, studies have shown that SSPs decrease crime in the area they are located.
SSPs increase community safety. Research shows that SSPs promote public health and safety by taking syringes off the streets and protecting law enforcement personnel from needle stick injuries, which can result in the transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
SSPs connect people to treatment. One study found that SSP participants are five times more likely to enter a drug treatment program than nonparticipants.

Other Services Provided

Harm Reduction Case Management Services:

Participants may also choose to receive confidential case management services to help with:

Accessing substance use in-patient or outpatient treatment
Accessing Hepatitis C treatment
One-on-one trustworthy, judgment-free support
Transportation to appointments, grocery store or other needed trips for you or family members
Accessing safe and stable housing
Other one-time limited funding needed to maintain long-term recovery goals

Risk Reduction Specialist, a program of the University of Kentucky

Providing comprehensive education and screening services to those at highest risk for HIV infection
Linking identified HIV-Positive persons into high-quality state of the art medical care and improving access to supportive services to ensure HIV positive persons enjoy health and wellbeing
Educating healthcare and service providers throughout the state to address access to comprehensive HIV medical care and the substance abuse disorders and the mental health issues that hinder the provision of effective care related to HIV and its associated comorbidities.

How do we know if the program is effective?

Data is tracked:

Number of unduplicated participants
Zip code of participants
Birth year of participants
Gender of participants
Frequency of injected drug use
Number of needles received and issued
Number of anonymous HIV tests given and rate of positivity
Number of confidential tests for STD’s, repeat HIV tests, Hep C tests and pregnancy tests as well as rates of positivity for each Number and types of vaccines given
Number of participants entering treatment for substance abuse disorders
Number of referrals to other community resources.

For more information and resources related to substance use and harm reduction, click here.