Syringe exchange program in the works for Logan County

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky.- The Barren River District Health Department has announced plans to begin a Harm Reduction Syringe Exchange Program in Logan County.

In a Monday press release, the agency announced it has received over $17,000 from United Way of Southern Kentucky to go toward the effort.

In order to establish the program, the agency will host various educational sessions with community members and key decision-makers. The sessions will allow Logan County residents to ask questions and receive information on the initiative.

According to the department, the program will help reduce opioid overdose rates, lower the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, and link people who use drugs to life-saving treatment resources.

Since 2016, the already established program in Warren and Barren counties have kept over 63,000 used needles off community streets.