As the snow starts to melt, area residents may start to see needles on the ground.
The Northwestern Health Unit is still accepting needle drop-off’s.
Manager of Harm Reduction Gillian Lunny says public help is appreciated right now.
“If you can pick-up the needle safely, please do. Especially right now with the Northwestern Health Unit helping in dealing with COVID-19.
Lunny says a video on how to pick up a needle is now available on-line and they also provide training at regional offices.
Safe needle pick-up kits are also available.
Lunny adds a number of communities do have outdoor disposal units.
The Health Unit is offering the following tips:
-Put on gloves if you have some
-Use a hard-sided plastic container for disposal
-Pick up the needle with the point facing down. Keep the needle pointing away from you. If you want, you can use tongs to pick up the needle
-Place the needle, point end first, into the container
-When everything has been picked up, put the lid on the container and tape it shut
-Wash your hands or clean them with hand sanitizer
-Return the container and its contents to your local Northwestern Health Unit office.
For more information visit http://www.nwhu.on.ca
