Pubdate: Mon, 04 Apr 2016 Source: Kenora Daily Miner And News (CN ON) Copyright: 2016 Kenora Daily Miner and News Contact: http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/letters Website: http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/855 Author: Sheri Lamb Page: 3 UNPLEASANT SURPRISE Melting snow brings out the natural beauty of a community, unfortunately it also brings into sight garbage which was previously hidden underneath the snow. Among the garbage can be discarded needles, which Kenora residents have been reporting, mainly through social media, that they have found at various places, including Anicinable Park. The Northwestern Health Unit's needle exchange program, which is part of its Harm Reduction Program services, has been blamed as the source of these needles. Gillian Lunny, manager of the health unit's harm reduction program, said she cannot confirm whether the number of needles being found around Kenora in the spring of 2016 is higher or lower than in previous years. "I can't necessarily say there's been an increase in the amount of needles found in the community, but there's an increased amount of attention certainly brought to it lately," said Lunny. "The Northwest Health Unit harm reduction program staff work very hard to ensure that the needles we give out are disposed of properly. We do that in lots of different ways. We work with our clients to make sure they know the importance of getting rid of their needles properly. We get calls once in a while about needles in the community and we pick them up and we proactively find them." The Northwest Health Unit also has special puncture-proof containers set up at various sights in downtown Kenora, like beside Jubilee Church of God and in the washrooms at the Pavilion, where needles have been discarded. Lunny said the health unit has a tracking system in place to keep track of needles that are given out, ones that are returned and for ones that are found by residents. "We keep track of not only how many needles are found, but where they're being found. We don't hide what our numbers are," said Lunny. "If people want to know the number of needles we're giving out or how many client encounters we have I will share that information, it's not an issue." But, Lunny added, she was concerned that if the NWHU shared its statistics they'd be used in a way that would sensationalize the issue, leading to more discrimination against their clients. "We always want to make sure it's being shown in a holistic approach," said Lunny. The needle exchange program was first set in Kenora around the mid-1990s, to Lunny's best estimation since records only go back to the year 2000. The program is mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The purpose of the needle exchange program is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C through the sharing of needles and drug preparation equipment. The needle exchange program is one part of addressing health issues associated with injection drug use and not the solution to cure addiction, but a program to support those who are addicted. When someone comes to the health unit requesting to do the needle exchange, Lunny said staff have to use their personal judgement when handing out the needles. The purpose of the program would be defeated if it was a one-for-one exchange, because many injectors do it up to 10 times a day and aren't about to return each time for a fresh needle, so staff handles requests on a client-to-client basis. There are safety measures a person can take when picking up a discarded needle (see sidebar below). "The risk of getting an infection from poking yourself with a needle on the street is so minimal compared to the public health risk if people have to start sharing and reusing their needles," said Lunny. "If 100 unused needles are found in our community in a year that's a small price to pay for what could happen in our community if we limit and force people to start sharing needles." If anyone would like to know more about the needle exchange and harm reduction programs, there will be an information session, Tuesday, April 5, 6 p.m. at the Northwest Health Unit City View location (formerly Mount Caramel School). In order to plan to provide refreshments, the health unit is asked that you email to if you can attend. - ------------------------------------------- Tips from NWHU on safe needle pick-up Steps to take for safe needle pick-up: * If possible use gloves and tongs to pick up needles; * Don't put the cap back on the needle; * Place the needle in a hard-sided plastic container, tightly seal and label "Needle"; * Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after picking up a needle; *- Return the needle to your local NWHU office; * Never put needles down the toilet, in drains or in the garbage - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom