FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (10-01-2015)
Cabell-Huntington Health Department Receives Grant

CABELL-HUNTINGTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE BENEDUM FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT EDUCATION AND RISK REDUCTION PROGRAMS FOR DRUG ADDICTED INDIVIDUALS

HUNTINGTON, WV. – October 1, 2015 – The Board of Trustees of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant to the Cabell-Huntington Health Department to support education and risk reduction programs for drug addicted individuals.

The intended outcomes from this project and the focus of Benedum Foundation grant funds will be:

1. Cabell Huntington Harm Reduction Program (CHHRP) will implement risk reduction services through Cabell-Huntington Health Department along with key partners:
• Offer weekly syringe exchange clinics;
• Provide screening;
• Management, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases;
• HIV, Hepatitis A, B & C, TB, pregnancy testing/referral;
• Addiction counseling and treatment.

2. Prevention education will be provided during syringe exchange clinics on safe injection practices, HIV, Hepatitis and other infectious diseases, injuries associated with injection drug use, safe sexual practices and community based Naloxone classes.

3. Counseling and referral services will be provided along with the presence of recovery coaches to connect patients to substance abuse treatment resources and other community resources.

4. Develop and offer a community-based Naloxone education and training program offered monthly by the Marshall University School of Pharmacy during the first year.

5. An advisory group comprised of key stakeholders and subject matter experts will be established.

About Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has served West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania since it was established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum. Grants are made to support specific initiatives in the areas of Education, Economic Development, Health & Human Services and Community Development. The mission of Benedum Foundation is to encourage human development in West Virginia and Southwest Pennsylvania through strategically placed charitable resources.

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Contact:
Elizabeth A. Ayers, MS Kim Tieman, Program Officer
Director of Health & Wellness/PIO Benedum Foundation
Cabell-Huntington Health Department Office (412) -246-3634
Office (304) 523-6483 x 258 ktieman@benedum.,org
Elizabeth.a.ayers@wv.gov

HEALTH DEPT. RECEIVES BENEDUM GRANT 10-1-15