'You Don't Sacrifice A Whole City' Over Needle Exchange, West Virginia Mayor Says

Since the opioid crisis took off in the U.S., cities across the country have added more and more needle exchange programs, which allow people with addiction to turn in used syringes for new, clean ones.

Most researchers say such programs are effective at reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. However, some cities — including Charleston, West Virginia, where opioid use is pervasive — have moved to close their needle exchanges, citing problems with crime and mismanagement.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with Mayor Danny Jones about why he supports the suspension of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department needle exchange.

Interview Highlights