The Milan Puskar Health Right’s needle exchange program, known as LIGHT (Living in Good Health Together), marked its 10-year anniversary in August 2025, showcasing significant achievements in harm reduction efforts. Between October 2024 and September 2025, the program distributed a remarkable 235,435 syringes and successfully collected 206,437 used needles, resulting in an exchange rate of nearly 88%. This figure aligns well with the program’s target of maintaining an exchange rate between 85% and 90%.
During the past year, the LIGHT Program received 1,457 total visits from 594 unique visitors, including 195 new intakes from various counties: Monongalia (110), Marion (28), Preston (26), and Harrison (19). These statistics indicate a notable increase compared to the previous year, when the program recorded 186,580 syringes distributed and 79% of them returned.
In a recent update to the Morgantown City Council, Executive Director Laura Jones discussed the program’s progress and requested a letter of support for its continuation. Following the passage of SB334 by the West Virginia Legislature in 2021, annual letters of support from both the city and county have become essential for needle exchange programs. The legislation mandates proof of residency and requires a one-to-one exchange of used syringes for new ones, in addition to offering additional harm reduction services.
As part of its comprehensive approach, the LIGHT Program has distributed over 900 wound care kits and provides weekly assistance from a nurse practitioner to address both wound care and other medical concerns voiced by participants. The program also facilitates testing for bloodborne illnesses, including Hepatitis C and HIV. Jones highlighted recent testing efforts, stating, “We just recently tested approximately 25 people for Hep C, and five of them were positive. It’s important for us to be doing those screenings in our community.”
While treatment for substance use disorders is always encouraged, Jones emphasized that pressuring participants into treatment programs is counterproductive. Out of the new intakes this year, 184 had previously been in treatment. “We know treatment is not a one and done. It often takes many times before people are successful,” she said, underscoring the program’s commitment to supporting individuals until they are ready to seek treatment again.
The LIGHT Program has also contributed to a notable decrease in local overdose rates since 2021. Contributing to this decline is the distribution of over 3,000 doses of Narcan (Naloxone) in the past year, enhancing the program’s role in combating opioid overdoses. Health Right has gained recognition as a national leader in Narcan distribution, with more than 22,000 doses distributed over a two-year span.
Jones also addressed the future of the program, noting that the council’s letter of support encompasses both the current Spruce Street location and the planned site at 10 Scott Avenue. The final requirement for the relocation involves obtaining a behavioral health center license from the Office of Health Facilities Licensure. “We can’t see anyone in that facility until we are licensed as a behavioral health center. We are waiting for them to call us and tell us they’re coming for a site visit,” Jones explained, adding that the application was submitted in late October and she hopes for a site visit in early December.
As the LIGHT Program continues to evolve, its emphasis on harm reduction and community health remains a vital aspect of its mission, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary resources while navigating their paths to recovery.
