Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Morgantown council backs letter of support for Light Project syringe-services program
Summary
Following a presentation by Executive Director Lara Jones, council voted 7-0 to approve a letter of support for the Light Project, a harm-reduction syringe services program run by Milam/Mylan Pushkar HealthRight; staff noted the program's relocation plans, licensing steps and service statistics.
The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved Nov. 25 a letter of support for the Light Project, a syringe services and harm-reduction program presented to council by Lara Jones, who identified herself as Executive Director of Milam/Mylan Pushkar HealthRight.
Jones described the Light Project ("Living Together in Good Health") as a harm-reduction program that provides syringe access and related services to reduce infectious disease transmission. "Harm reduction with syringe access is a public health program designed to minimize or decrease infectious disease in our community, HIV, Hep C, MRSA, endocarditis," she said. Jones said the program also provides wound care through a nurse practitioner, conducts outreach with WVU’s positive health clinic for HIV testing events and distributes naloxone.
Jones said the program is preparing to move to 10 Scott Avenue but must complete an application with the Office of Health Facilities Licensure to become a licensed behavioral health center; the rules for that application require that the site not be seeing patients until licensing/site inspection is complete. "So that's what part of the holdup is. We can't see anyone in that facility until we are licensed as a behavioral health center," she said, and added staff expect a site visit in early December and hope for provisional licensure shortly after.
She reported program metrics to council, including a reported 7% return rate and that the program's goal for returns is between 85% and 90%. Jones said new intakes this year came largely from Monongalia County and that the program continues to seek grants and other funding sources because federal dollars cannot be used to purchase syringes.
Councilors asked for additional data and context about state programs and funding. Jones said several county programs around the state have closed or reduced services due to funding constraints and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure grant support. After discussion a motion to approve the letter of support carried 7-0.
The letter of support is nonbinding; Jones said the program will resubmit policies and procedures to the city when it relocates and will continue to coordinate with the county and health partners.
