Needle Disposal Sites Announced

The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) has partnered with Peterborough Aids Resource Network (PARN), John Howard Society, Greenwood Coalition, the Town of Cobourg, the Municipality of Dysart et al, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Community Living Campbellford/Brighton, and the Haliburton County Library System in choosing several new 24-hour Needle Disposal Bin locations.

“When needle disposal bins are located in convenient and accessible locations, there will be fewer needles found in parks and public spaces making it safer for everyone,” said Katlin Archibald, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker with PARN. “This, in turn, reduces the risk of transmission of infections to community members through contact with needles.”

Needle Disposal Bins are part of the Needle Exchange Program which provide the necessary equipment to help prevent the spread of bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

“We implemented a Needle Exchange Program in 2008 and since then have worked with community partners such as PARN and John Howard Society to ensure safe access to a variety of harm reduction programs within the communities we serve,” said Leslie McLaughlin, Healthy Communities, Public Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit.

New 24-hour Needle Disposal Bin locations:

• • Rotary Harbourfront Park washrooms/bus shelter building at 35 Albert Street, Cobourg (south side parking lot)
• • Community Living Campbellford Brighton, 65 Bridge St East, Campbellford (back door of building facing parking lot)
• • HKPR District Health Unit Office, 200 Rose Glen Road North, Port Hope (by back entrance)

HKPR District Health Unit wants to remind the public what to do if they find a needle:

• • Never put a container with needles into the garbage or recycling bin.
• • Look up where you can dispose of needles in your community: Find Supplies – Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program (ohrdp.ca)
• • Call mobile outreach at PARN for information about safe needle clean up or to arrange needle pick-up and disposal – personal bio bins are also available 705-559-3904.

content submitted/BBCNewsimage

#drugdisposalbins, #healthunit, #drugparapenalia,