The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is asking that we be on the lookout for discarded needles, especially as people are taking part in spring community cleanups across the region.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li says they can turn up anywhere after being carelessly discarded by drug users.
She also notes that getting pricked by discarded needles out in public is infrequent and rare. The doctor adds that transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can occur, but once again it’s rare.
Mental Health and Substance Use PHN Coordinator David Amot has some advise for users of the needles in how to handle them.
It’s also important not to fill so-called sharps containers beyond their fill line, which is at about the 3/4 full mark. And he adds, do not ever put used needles in the garbage, recycling or on the ground.
Again while rare, it does happen that people get stuck with needles when least expecting it. The Doctor says should that happen there are a few things to know.
When it comes to overall needle safety, Amot says teaching our kids to be on the lookout is vital.
As for adults, if available, wear puncture proof gloves, if not, use thick work gloves. Place a sharps container on a flat surface close to you. If you do not have sharps container, you should use a hard plastic or glass container with a lid that you can tightly close. Using tongs or pliers, pick up the needle with the sharp end away from you. Place the needle into the container with the tip going in first. Close the lid to the container tightly.
All used needles and syringes should be placed into a sharps container or needle drop box. You can find them at any local pharmacy. Other options include a community needle drop box (click here for the health unit’s list), or at the Health Unit through the Smart Works program.
You can listen to the complete interview below.
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Web:
https://healthunit.org/health-information/drug-use-harm-reduction/needle-disposal-safety/
