RAINELLE, WV (WOAY) – After COVID-19 shut it down when it first started earlier this year, the mobile harm reduction program is now back in Rainelle on a monthly basis at the Rainelle United Methodist Church.
Seneca Health Services, the Greenbrier County Health Department and St. James Episcopal Church with their mobile medical unit have teamed to up bring this program to the western end of the county.
People can stop by, exchange for clean needles and receive supplies like Narcan, disinfectant wipes as well as information on recovery programs.
Jeffery Blackburn, a peer recovery support specialist with Seneca, says this program’s purpose is to help reduce the harm associated with drug use and also help build a rapport with the community.
“It’s to save a life, and you know, most people might not want that, but it’s my job to keep them alive until they’re ready to seek services, until we can help them,” he said. “And especially in areas like this, people don’t have the means to get out and do things, you know. Harm reduction brings things right to them.”
The Greenbrier County Health Department runs their in-house harm reduction program on Tuesdays.
Other services coming up in Rainelle:
Addiction and Recovery Peer Support Group with Seneca. Every Wednesday at God’s Way Home (477 Main Street) @ 4 p.m.
Living Free Recovery Meeting at God’s Way Home. Every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
