UPDATE: After the initial publication of this article, LINK nky was informed the program still needs final approval from the county. We have updated the relevant lines to make this more clear. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.–LINK nky editorial, Nov. 22, 2024.
A hypodermic needle exchange program formerly housed at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare campus at 1500 James Simpson, Jr. Way is one step closer to moving to its new location at the Northern Kentucky Health Department’s new building on 1415 James Simpson, Jr. Way.
The move follows the approval of the Covington City Commission at Tuesday’s meeting. The Kenton County Fiscal Court will vote on the final relocation approval in the coming weeks.
The department’s old building on Madison Ave. was sold earlier this year, and the needle exchange had previously operated out of the Covington campus of St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Officially called the Syringe Access Exchange Program, needle exchange programs like this aim to reduce the proliferation of bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis, which can spread when drugs are injected with used, unsterilized needles.
The program is offered not only at the new Kenton County building but at all of the health department’s locations. While onsite, residents can also access free Naxolone overdose kits, referrals to addiction treatment, HIV and Hepatitis C screening and safe ways to dispose of needles.
Learn more about the Northern Kentucky Health Department’s resources at their dedicated webpage.