Sunrise Health Region Public Health and 601 Outreach Yorkton participated in spring clean-up of discarded syringes April 25 and May 2.
Individuals use syringes for many different purposes, said a release from Sunrise. There are medical conditions such as diabetes that involve the use of needles, and others use syringes to inject illicit drugs due to addiction issues.
Individuals have said they do not intend to harm other people in the community when they discard used syringes; most will throw out syringes safely if there are safe choices available, the release said.
Sunrise Health Region is in the process of installing safe needle disposal units in Yorkton and Kamsack to ensure everyone has a safe way of disposing of used syringes, it said. In co-operation with the Town of Kamsack, a Needle Disposal Unit is located behind the Kamsack Shopping Plaza for individuals to safely dispose of their used syringes or sharps containers.
Only loose syringes or quart-size containers will fit. Larger sharps containers can be taken to your local public health office. Two needle disposal units will be installed in Yorkton this spring, with locations to be determined.
“If someone picks up a discarded syringe and accidentally pokes themselves, the risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis is low,” said Deanna Bartok, HIV strategy co-ordinator with Sunrise Health Region. “By working with communities to identify areas where safe needle disposal sites are needed, we can help protect the public from exposure to improperly disposed needles.”
If a discarded syringe is found on the ground:
• Don’t pick it up with your hands - use tongs, pliers or tweezers and pick it up with needle tip down and away from you;
• Place a hard plastic container or glass jar on a stable surface and place lid on top;
• Take the container to your nearest public health office;
• Don’t throw the syringe or container in the garbage;
• If you are accidentally poked by a discarded syringe, let the wound bleed freely. Do not squeeze, suck, scrub or rub the wound. Wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible and proceed immediately to your local health centre.
For more information, contact your local public health office or to report a discarded syringe in Yorkton contact the Turning Point Program or Yorkton Fire Protective Services.
