Decision Likely in May on Needle Exchange Program

Charleston’s city council addressed the controversial needle exchange program Tuesday with a roundtable discussion that included leaders from the needle exchange programs at both KCHD and HealthRite. Other health care professionals from CAMC, Thomas Health System and WVU’s School of Public Medicine attended too, to talk about the impact of the program on public health. Police officers have raised concerns about the increase in dirty needles around town, and Charleston Police Chief Steve Cooper imposed strict new guidelines for KCHD’s program which led to it’s temporary suspension. The city council is expected to vote on whether to ban needles on May 21.