TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—202 SOUTH MONROE STREET ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916 NEWS RELEASE - September 25, 2018

Contact:  Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

Needle Exchange Program Canceled What   began   in   May   of   this   year   as   an   attempt   to   increase   the   overall   safety   of   the   citizens   of Alderson   and the   surrounding   area,   was   canceled   in   June   for   lack   of   interest   on   the   part   of   those   the   program   was expected   to   serve.   Almost   no   people   showed   up   for   the   needle   exchange   so   it   was   not   worth   the expenses and resources of the agencies which were there to be of help. This   needle   exchange   was   a   joint   program   among   several   churches,   groups,   volunteers,   the   Town   of Alderson,   Alderson    Police    Department,    Greenbrier    County    Sheriff’s    Department    and    the    Greenbrier County Health Department. Individuals   seeking   to   exchange   needles   were   not   able   to   just   walk   in   and   get   needles.   The   process required   a   structured   approach   which   involved   peer   coaching,   spiritual   counseling,   epidemiology,   and public   health   counseling.   Further,   if   individuals   needed   testing   for   hepatitis   B,   C,   HIV,   and/or   syphilis,   it was available for them at the time of exchange. Needles   were   only   traded   on   a   “bring   in-take   out”   basis.   Clients   could   not   grab   a   handful   and   go.   If   a   client brought   in   two,   they   got   two   clean   needles   in   exchange.   Other   supplies   including   needle   boxes   for   the return   and   sterile   supplies   were   included   in   the   process.   Counselors   would   also   make   arrangements   for those who were ready to go to rehab at that time. Mayor   Travis   Copenhaver   said,   “I   am   well   pleased   with   the   groups   and   individuals   who   overlooked   stigma and   stereotypes   to   come   together   for   the   common   good   to   help   all. This   was   one   of   the   most   controversial decisions   for   me   to   make   as   mayor.   We   did   our   best   to   make   options   available   for   those   who   needed them. I extend a heart-felt thank you to those who supported this action and understood the need.”