Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of practical, evidence-based strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use (Harm Reduction Coalition, 2020).
Location and hours of operation
- Hours of operation:
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
- 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday
- Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike, Dr. Rice C. Leach Community Room
- For more information about the Harm Reduction Program, email us or call (859) 899-4230.
Our Harm Reduction Program provides naloxone, used to reverse opioid overdoses, to anyone who needs it.
- A 10-15-minute class is all it takes to have an important tool to help the community.
- Naloxone kits are available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays in the Dr. Rice C. Leach Community Room at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike.
- We can also host community classes, either on site or another location, for up to 100 people at a time!
If you’re interested in scheduling this, please call 859-899-4230.
Our free Harm Reduction Program offers:
ANONYMOUS
- syringe exchange
- safer sex supplies
CONFIDENTIAL
- FREE naloxone (Narcan) distribution and training
- FREE rapid HIV and hepatitis testing
- treatment referrals for HIV, hepatitis C, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- information about services for food, housing, and healthcare
- On March 24, 2015, the Kentucky General Assembly gave municipalities authority to institute a syringe exchange program.
- A public health program for people who inject drugs (PWIDs)
- Senate Bill 192 was passed to allow local health departments to give new needles to PWIDs in exchange for their used needles, with no criminal penalty for people who use drugs.
- Proven to reduce the spread of hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne infections
-
- Provides new, sterile syringes and clean injection equipment
- Properly disposes of used syringes
-
- Safe disposal of used needles
- Free confidential testing for HIV (optional)
- Education about the harms associated with drug use and how to minimize them
- Counseling and treatment
- reduce the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis by 50%
- reduce the incidence of non-bloodborne infections
- reduce the amount of improperly disposed of syringes
- reduce overdose deaths
- reduce drug use
NOTE: We will not accept needles from patients with diabetes. We realize the need for these patients to dispose of their used needles and have learned from the city that these needles can be put in the regular trash if they are sealed in a heavy plastic or metal container such as a coffee can or similar plastic container. Click here to find out more about the Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government Solid Waste guidelines regarding disposal of “other items” including medical waste. We urge patients who need to dispose of needles used for insulin to do so according to acceptable city procedures. You can also learn more by clicking here.
Helpful Resources:
- Syringe Exchange Program Resource Guide
- KRS 218A.500
- Safe Options for Home Needle Disposal
- The Foundation on AIDS Research
- “Little Victories: Lexington, Kentucky”: a short documentary film by Katherine Tackett that puts a human face on the opioid crisis in the community.
For more information about the needle exchange program, call (859) 899-4230.
Save A Life
Save a life today by learning more about the Harm Reduction Program and how you can help, Lexington be well.