Journal staff
In an effort to improve access to safe needle disposal and reduce the number of improperly discarded needles, Lambton Public Health is placing a number of sharps containers in specific locations around the county.
“Opioids and other drugs are an issue that public health and our partners are working to address on multiple fronts, said medical officer of health Dr. Sunit Ranade, noting that harm reduction is one of the key focus areas identified in the Lambton Drug and Alcohol Strategy currently in development. “The installation of sharps disposal bins is a harm reduction measure that is intended to increase public safety, which is one step in the right direction.”
The bright yellow, freestanding bins will be installed in Sarnia’s Mitton Village and Victoria Street public parking lot, as well as Lambton Public Health in Point Edward. They will be clearly labeled as Needle Drop Boxes, and will be closely monitored and emptied regularly by trained professionals.
Other locations include Thedford, Forest and Kettle Point.
A harm reduction approach seeks to reduce the negative outcomes related to injection drug use, including the spread of blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis and HIV.
Last year, staff identified the need for increased access to needle disposal in the community and identified the best locations for disposal bins, with data and input from Sarnia Police and OPP, and neighbourhood consultations.
Information on what to do if you see improperly disposed of needles is available at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca or by calling Lambton Public Health at 519 383-8331.