Pubdate: Fri, 11 Sep 2015
Source: Mission City Record (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Mission City Record
Contact:  http://www.missioncityrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1305
Author: Kevin Mills

SHARPS CONTAINERS COMING

Discarded Used Needles a Continuing Problem

Sharps containers will be placed at strategic locations around 
Mission in an attempt to prevent used needles from being carelessly 
thrown away or left on the ground.

Four locations - the West Coast Express station, Park Street and 
Fraser Crescent, the north end of the Mission Library parking lot, 
and an area near the Mission Museum - have been identified as hot 
spots for discarded needles and will receive the new containers.

"I think this is a step forward from the standpoint that we are 
moving towards more control on how needles are distributed," said 
Mission Mayor Randy Hawes.

However, he said he does not feel satisfied with harm reduction 
efforts in the area.

"I an very much opposed to needle distribution where there is no 
bring back if you will. Needle exchange has to be exactly that," he said.

He believes addicts should have to bring back the needles they are 
given, in order to receive new ones.

Hawes said there is a growing problem in Mission of discarded needles 
turning up in various areas of the community including school grounds.

"I am still not convinced that we are putting enough responsibility 
on those that are using needles.

"Harm reduction to me means let's decrease the harm to the addicts at 
the expense of the community," said Hawes.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom