Pubdate: Mon, 15 Jul 2002
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2002 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Jackie Jadrnak

TAMPER-PROOF DROP BOXES CONSIDERED

The state Department of Health is looking for more ways people can safely 
dispose of needles.

It is ordering a half-dozen drop boxes in which users of injection drugs - 
both legal and illegal - can deposit used syringes.

The first batch will be installed in public health offices in Albuquerque 
and Las Cruces, probably within a month, according to Don Torres, section 
head for HIV/AIDS/hepatitis programs with the department.

The final number may reach two dozen, and the department is negotiating 
with the city of Albuquerque for places to locate some of those, he said.

Although medical centers have safe ways to dispose of needles, no avenues 
exist to dispose of needles used at home, Torres said. People with 
diabetes, for example, who use needles to inject insulin, generally toss 
those needles out with their household trash, he said.

"That's not safe for city garbage workers or anyone going through the 
trash," he said. Drop boxes have been tried successfully in the city of 
Baltimore and state of Connecticut, he said. Those programs used 
refurbished mail boxes that were placed on street corners.

The Department of Health is purchasing tamper-proof boxes specifically 
manufactured for needle disposal, he said.

The department is also working with pharmacies, where people can purchase 
syringes, in order to provide safe, disposable containers for them, he 
said. In addition, Albuquerque Parks and Recreation employees are getting 
special disposal packs and training in how to safely handle discarded 
needles, Torres said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth