Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit YouTube screenshot
A push is underway by public health and area partners to strengthen sharps disposal in the health unit region, which includes Northumberland.
“Disposing of sharps in the right place is essential to maintaining welcoming public spaces for everyone,” said Kate Hall, a health promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “Our goal is to encourage community involvement in safe clean-up efforts and respond to concerns regarding discarded sharps and other harm reduction supplies in public spaces.”
The health unit, with support from the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN), has announced the launch of a community-wide awareness campaign aimed at promoting the safe disposal of harm reduction sharps – this includes needles, glass bowl pipes and other items that may be harmful when broken or discarded improperly, explained officials.
With the arrival of spring, people may come across discarded needles and other sharps in public spaces, added officials, while announcing the “Safe Disposal, Safer Communities” campaign, which coincides with the seasonal shift and clean-up efforts as a proactive step to encourage safe handling and disposal of such supplies.
The initiative focuses on increasing public understanding on how to safely handle sharps when found, how to report them if unable to manage disposal independently, and where to access proper disposal locations, said the health unit, adding this may include select pharmacies, outreach partners, community sharps disposal bins, and most health unit offices.
“This initiative is about supporting everyone, reducing harm, and fostering compassion and understanding in our shared spaces,” said Dane Record, executive director at PARN. “Improperly discarded supplies are the exception – not the norm.”
The health unit and area partners have developed educational materials, including videos, for community groups, businesses, and residents who may encounter discarded sharps in their neighborhoods or workplaces. By offering practical tools, this initiative aims to reduce stigma and promote individual action, said officials.
“We can all support this initiative by learning how to handle and dispose of sharps properly, and by becoming familiar with the local supports available,” added Rachel Staines, a public health nurse with the health unit. “Residents are reminded not to call 911 to pick-up discarded needles or sharps.
“Instead, follow the safe handling steps to properly dispose of the items, contact PARN or other supports in your area.”
For more information, including safe disposal tips and local resources, visit hkpr.on.ca/SafeDisposal or contact PARN for additional training opportunities by phone at 705-749-9110.
