Syringe Exchange Program expands reach to Lake Dreamland area

Left to right: Volunteers of America Vice President of External Relations
Tandee Ogburn, Council President David Tandy, Lake Dreamland fire chief
Freddie George, Councilman Bill Hollander, Councilwoman Jessica Green
and Volunteers of America Harm Reduction Specialist Donald Davis

Last month, Volunteers of America met with Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and Councilwoman Jessica Green, D-1st District, to announce the first community exchange site of the Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program. The community exchange, at Lake Dreamland Fire Department on Cane Run Road, makes safe needle exchange accessible for those who have difficulty traveling to the permanent exchange site in downtown Louisville. Under the leadership of Donald Davis, a harm reduction specialist with 20 years of experience, the program’s goals are to reduce the risk of HIV and Hepatitis C among at-risk populations and to direct those struggling with heroin addiction to treatment options, meeting the clients where they are in their battle with addiction.

Since the exchange opened over four months ago, the program has served more than 1,100 participants. In that time, more than 130 people have voluntarily been tested for HIV, 65 people have voluntarily been tested for Hepatitis C, and 64 people have been referred for drug treatment.

Volunteers of America continues to work with Metro Council and interested citizens to identify additional locations to implement the program, with the ultimate goal of having an exchange location in a different area of the city open every day of the week. We are proud partners of this important and life-saving service.