Glynis Board Published

DHHR Warns of Possible HIV Exposure at Northern Panhandle Pain Clinic

syringe, needles
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Health officials are advising patients of a clinic in in the northern panhandle to be tested for some infectious diseases after an investigation discovered questionable practices.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is urging patients who had an injection procedure at Valley Pain Management in McMechen, West Virginia, between the time the clinic opened in 2010 through November 1, 2013, to talk to their primary care provider about being testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. 

The DHHR reports that an investigation into the clinic found practitioners re-used needles and syringes to enter vials and saline bags used for more than one patient.

Officials say they haven’t been able to determine if any procedures resulted in illness, but exposure to infection is possible.

The DHHR says the clinic has not cooperated with them by suppling a patient list. DHHR has issued an administrative subpoena in an effort to obtain the clinic’s patient list and is prepared to take additional legal action if the clinic does not comply with the subpoena. 

Testing is available for Valley Pain Management patients at these local health departments until 10/21/14.  

To make an appointment for testing, please call:

  • Hancock County Health Department                         (304) 564-3343
  • Brooke County Health Department                            (304) 737-3665
  • Wheeling – Ohio Health Department                          (304) 234-3682
  • Marshall County Health Department                          (304) 845-7840
  • Wetzel – Tyler Health Department                              (304) 337-2001
  • Ohio residents should call 1-844-593-5184 for additional information.
  • Pennsylvania residents should call 877-PA HEALTH (877-724-3258) to make arrangements for testing.