Charleston, WV Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- State license required
- WV syringe services program license
- Siting hearing
- Public hearing near proposed site
- Notice radius
- Two-block mailed notice, 2 weeks prior
- Council vote timing
- Not before 1 week post-hearing
- First-offense fine
- $500-$1,000
Summary
Any syringe services or needle-exchange program in Charleston needs a state license plus a City Council public hearing near the proposed site before it can operate.
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons... to operate a harm reduction program that includes the distribution of any hypodermic syringes, needles and other similar objects... without obtaining and having a syringe services program license from the West Virginia Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification, pursuant to W. Va. Code ch. 16, art. 63... Upon receipt of an application... council will schedule at least one public hearing near the applicant's proposed location... the applicant shall mail notice... to residents and businesses within a two-block radius of the applicant's proposed location.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Operating a harm reduction program that distributes hypodermic syringes or needles in Charleston without a syringe services program license from the WV Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification is a misdemeanor under Sec. 78-381. Before council will support a state license application, Sec. 78-384 requires at least one public hearing held near the applicant's proposed location, with notice mailed to residents and businesses within a two-block radius two weeks ahead. Council cannot vote on the program until one week after that hearing. Separately, Sec. 78-396 lets the Chief of Police sponsor or approve a city needle-exchange program under rules the Chief promulgates.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed distribution: misdemeanor, $500-$1,000 fine per offense, each day a separate violation (Sec. 78-383).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private group open a needle exchange in Charleston without city approval?
Does Charleston run its own needle exchange?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia public health rules overview
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