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By Curtis Galbraith

Syringes, needles on the ground worrying AHS

Nov 19, 2017 | 6:06 AM

Alberta Health Services is worried that syringes and needles being left on the ground is becoming an increasing problem in Grande Prairie, especially downtown.

AHS Medical Officer of Health in Grande Prairie Dr. Albert de Villiers says there can be some health risks associated with these items lying around.

“If it’s been lying there for awhile and it’s got, maybe, some rust or something on (it), you might be worried about tetanus. Most people are immunized against that, but, to make sure, call your health care provider or call Public Health and we’ll sort that out for you. The other ones that we worry about as well are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C.”

Dr. de Villiers says if you find something like this and don’t want to touch it, call HIV North and they will come and pick it up.

“If you are OK with doing it, don’t touch it with your hands. Make sure you can use some tongs or anything you can use to lift it up without touching it and then try to dispose of it in a hard, plastic, puncture-proof container to make sure you don’t get injured by it as well.”

There are nine yellow disposal boxes for needles and syringes around Grande Prairie.

by Curtis Galbraith