Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health is working with municipalities and other partners to improve access to safe disposal options for needles. Lambton Public Health is placing sharps containers in specific locations around the county to help reduce the number of improperly discarded needles.
“Opioids and other drugs are an issue that public health and our partners are working to address on multiple fronts,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health. “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.”
Harm reduction is one of the key areas of focus identified in the Lambton Drug and Alcohol Strategy that is currently in development. 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 human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
In 2018, public health staff identified the need for increased access to needle disposal in the community and worked to determine the best locations for sharps disposal bins. Taking local data into consideration, including reports of found needles, evidence of IV drug use, consultations with Sarnia Police and OPP, public safety, and neighbourhood input, a number of locations were identified.
- Pt. Edward – Lambton Public Health
- Sarnia – Mitton Village
- Sarnia – Victoria Street Public Parking lot
- Forest – North Lambton Community Health Centre
- Kettle Point First Nation
- Thedford Village
The sharp containers are bright yellow, freestanding and clearly labelled as Needle Drop Boxes. The secure boxes will be closely monitored and emptied regularly by trained professionals. The bins will be installed in the coming weeks.
Information on what to do if you see improperly disposed of needles is available at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca or by calling Lambton Public Health at 519 383-8331.
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Please contact:
Kevin Churchill
Manager, Family Health
Lambton Public Health
519-383-8331 ext. 3505