Discarded needle kit offers safety in clean-up efforts

The Thunder Bay Drug Strategy is offering a new kit that businesses and residents can use to safely clean up discarded needles found as the snow melts.

A public health nurse with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit said anyone spotting a needle can always call Superior Points aharm reduction program withthe unit to come and take it away, but some people want to take action immediately.

"I think it gives some people some autonomy, it makes you feel a little bit safer in your community, Melissa Scott said, adding that she hopes the kits will also encourage people to learn more about the underlying issues surrounding drug use.

The kit includes gloves, tongs, a hard plastic container and an information sheet.

Scott said business owners and community members can use the kit to clean up needles safelyif they're comfortable doing so.

"The risk of an infection from a publicly discarded needle stick injury is very low.

Superior Points outreach worker Rick Thompson said spring weather brings many calls from the public reporting discarded needles.

"We certainly do our best to get there as quickly as we can but, unfortunately, [if] we're ... tied up with something else ... [the kits provide] the option [for people] to deal with it themselves in a timely manner."

Thompson applauded the initiative.

"We were actually surprised we hadn't thought of this earlier, but [its] never too late for a good idea."

Needle disposal kits are available from the District Health Unit through the Superior Points program, AIDS Thunder Bay and Shelter House.