News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 8, 2007

Report “Found Needles” to Public Health

Injection drug use in Grey Bruce is a reality. Media reports highlight the numerous arrests relating to drug use in our community. There are also reports of discarded needles or other injection equipment found at local beaches, parks, during community cleanup events, in schoolyards and at childcare centres. The risks of discarded needles and other injection equipment include the potential for a needle stick injury and exposure to blood borne pathogens such as Hepatitis C and HIV. It is important the items be safely collected and disposed of by an adult.

The Health Unit is launching a Found Needles campaign aimed at educating residents on what to do if they come across a used needle or other injection equipment. School, childcare and municipal workers are receiving information about what to do if they find needles or other injection equipment as well as instructions on safe methods of disposal of these items.

As part of a surveillance system to monitor the risks to public safety related to these items we are requesting the public to notify the Health Unit if they find a discarded needle or other injection equipment.  Public Health can assist with safe disposal.

To report a found needle or other injection equipment call the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456. For more information, call or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachment: Found Needles Information Sheet and Bookmark

For more information:

Denna Leach R.N., B.Sc.N., B.Ed

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 462