Public health officials want to take a long-running needle-exchange program to the streets.

It's a one-year pilot to reduce the threat to the public from sticks from improperly discarded hypodermic needles, by locating a collection bin in a downtown parkette across Talbot St. from city hall, and a second bin on the north side.

Dr. Joyce Lock, medical officer of health for Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, says the initiative is part of a multi-pronged approach to harm reduction in drug use.

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