Pubdate: Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.paherald.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Author: Myles Fish
Page: A2

'TIS THE SEASON FOR NEEDLE DISCOVERY

Safe Handling Methods Crucial to Cleaning Up

Across Prince Albert, the snow is disappearing and needles are appearing.

It is an unfortunate reality of spring, but one that a number of 
local agencies are prepared to deal with.

There are seven permanent needle drop boxes in Prince Albert - most 
found in the downtown - and two numbers to call for help with needle disposal.

While the vast majority of the needles, or "sharps," used for 
intravenous drug use in P.A. are returned to the Straight to the 
Point Harm Reduction Program on 15th Street East or disposed of in 
the yellow drop boxes, thousands are revealed once the snow melts.

In one afternoon blitz last year, Prince Albert Fire Department Chief 
Jason Everitt estimates his cleanup crew collected close to 1,000 used needles.

"The downtown core area typically is our biggest area for them. But 
residential neighbourhoods have the problem as well. Most communities 
in the province deal with this problem in some form or another," said Everitt.

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has put out guidelines for 
safe needle disposal. It advises people who come across needles to 
wear gloves and pick the needles up by the plunger end.

Once collected, the needles should be put in a small, hard container 
that needles can't poke through. Under no circumstances should 
children handle sharps, nor should the needle point ever be touched.

"An adult can fairly safely pick up a needle if they approach it from 
the non-business end. Have a pair of gloves on; put it in a sturdy 
container - that's the biggest thing. We don't want them to just 
throw it in their pocket or throw it in the garbage," explained Everitt.

If the needle cap is found near the syringe, a person should not 
attempt to put it back on the needle. Used needles can potentially 
spread HIV and hepatitis C.

"That's risky," added Everitt. "The needle sticks are something that 
is very serious and needs to be taken very seriously. But the needle 
is not going to jump around and spike you."

Years ago, the PAFD spent hundreds of man hours collecting used 
needles. The Harm Reduction Program now takes the lead on collection, 
but Everitt said as the weather continues to warm, the department 
will get more calls regarding needles found in yards.

Needles can be dropped off at the Straight to the Point Harm 
Reduction Program at Access Place (3-101 15th St. E.). The centre 
also provides free supplies for picking up and disposing of needles.

If you find a needle in a public place during regular business hours, 
Monday to Friday, call the Harm Reduction Program at 306-765-6533 and 
someone from the office can come collect it. Any other time, 
residents can phone the fire department at 306-953-4284.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom