Full Article by June Leffler | WV Public Broadcasting
Charleston City Council passed a new ordinance restricting syringe service programs—even more tightly than state law. The new rules require programs to host public neighborhood meetings, collect 90% of distributed syringes, and face misdemeanor charges for noncompliance. The CDC and public health experts warn that such restrictions make outbreaks worse, not better.
“For now, we’re shocked the council voted to arrest nurses and pastors for doing what the CDC says we need to do.”
— Joe Solomon, SOAR WV Co-Director
The ordinance passed with nearly unanimous support, even as Council Member Deanna McKinney cautioned against policies that are “pretty cold” toward people with substance use disorder.
With these changes, Charleston becomes one of the most restrictive places in the U.S. for syringe access—despite the city’s rising HIV rates.
