A community sharps bin has been installed in Parry Sound.
"When used sharps are discarded improperly, such as in recycling, garbage or even in a public place, it is often the result of not having a place to properly dispose of them," says a news release from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. "Providing a place for people to safely discard sharps helps keep the community safer for everyone."
The community sharps bin, located at the corner of Seguin Street and Gibson Street, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is important that only loose sharps (e.g., needles) or sharps in a puncture-proof container be put into the bin. Garbage and other drug-use equipment, such as wrappers, water and tourniquets, are to be disposed of in the garbage can located near the bin.
The needle exchange program aims to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences associated with drug use.
The Health Unit’s needle exchange program distributes sterile needles and drug use supplies to clients in the quantities requested to reduce the risk of contracting blood-borne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C. Evidence shows that strict exchange policies such as “one-for-one” do not lead to higher return rates of needles, and do not work to prevent the spread of infection says the Health Unit.
