Pubdate: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 Source: Observer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2007, OSPREY Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676 Author: Cathy Dobson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) DON'T PICK UP DISCARDED NEEDLES, PUBLIC WARNED Dirty needles are frequently found carelessly thrown away on city streets, but a number of syringes recently found in Canatara Park have prompted police to warn the public. To avoid accidental needle pricks, report dirty syringes or ensure an adult delivers them safely to police or public health officials, says Acting Staff Sgt. Doug Cunningham of Sarnia Police Service. Huge boxes of dirty needles are shipped out every month from the local community health services building on Exmouth Street at Front, says Bea Lennan, public health nurse. "We give out about 40,000 needles a month to drug users and get about 80 per cent of them back," said Lennan, who works with Lambton County's needle exchange program. The majority are returned by drug users who take responsibility for their "dirties." But others are inadvertently found in the community, sometimes in beach areas. Lennan said no one should ever touch a used needle with their bare hands. Using gloves or some other form of protection, needles should be carefully put in a glass or hard plastic container and turned into the police station or the health unit. Pricks from dirty needles can cause contact with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or the HIV virus. "The odds are that used needles left on the ground are likely from drug users and they often share them," Lennan said. Some are infected with Hepatitis C, a virus that affects the liver and produces chronic symptoms that frequently lead to serious complications. Hepatitis B also damages the liver. HIV is less likely to be contracted from a dirty needle because it's a virus that doesn't live long outside the body. However, Hepatitis viruses can live for several weeks on a needle. "If you're pricked, go to the emergency department immediately and get a blood test," Lennan said. Medication to fight against HIV is available. The issue comes up every summer, she said. Police services will only respond to reports of found dirty needles if they are an immediate threat to the public, according to Cunningham. He urged local residents to report any suspicious activity or suspected illegal drug activity in any public park by calling police at 519-344-8861 or Crime Stoppers at 519-332-TIPS. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake