Health Department’s harm reduction program has busiest month in a year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s harm reduction program had its busiest month in a year in June.

The agency had 1,909 visits to its needle-exchange program which was a new record since July 2020. The numbers included 32 first-time participants, a good sign as the program fights the spread of hepatitis C and HIV.

The department collected 74,979 used needles for proper disposal and provided 546 free naloxone kits. It also had two people use on-site referrals to treatment for substance use disorder, bringing the total to 376.

The program provides naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, offers free HIV and hepatitis C testing and provides counseling for treatment options.

Participants can even get a COVID vaccine while there The free, anonymous/confidential harm reduction services are offered 1-4 p.m. Mondays, 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays.