Another sharps bin is now available downtown for used needle disposal.
"When used sharps are discarded improperly, such as in recycling, garbage, or even in a public place, it is often the result of not having a place to properly dispose of them," says a news release from Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing. "Providing a place for people to safely discard sharps helps keep the community safer for everyone."
The bin is located at 361 McIntyre St. E. and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"It is important that only loose sharps or sharps in a puncture-proof container be put into the bin," reads the release."Garbage and other drug-use equipment, such as wrappers, water, and tourniquets, are to be disposed of in the garbage can located near the bin. Harm reduction services, such as needle syringe services and sharps drop-off, will still be available at the Health Unit's North Bay office, the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area and other locations throughout the city."
“Our objective is to connect clients with the support they need when they are ready," said Brooke Bertrand, Manager of Addictions Services. "It is our vision that the installation of the sharps bin will positively impact the health and safety of North Bay citizens by removing used sharps from the streets, increase health equity to marginalized people, reduce systemic stigma, and demonstrate a practical harm reduction response for people who use substances.”
