The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, is commending the Town of Gander for placing two metal sharps boxes in the community. The intent of these boxes is to divert the random disposal of used needles, thus enhancing public safety. The boxes were provided through an initiative by the department and College of the North Atlantic.
One of two boxes in Gander has been placed at the end of Bennett Drive. The location of the other is yet to be determined.
Public buildings such as airports and institutions commonly have sharps boxes available in restrooms for users of injection drugs, including insulin-dependent diabetics. The City of St. John’s has also begun a similar initiative.
Quotes
“The safe disposal of needles in containers such as sharps boxes helps protect the public from undue harm. We are delighted that the Town of Gander and the City of St. John’s see the value in such an initiative, and hope other communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will also want to be involved.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Provincial Government and City of St. John’s Fund Sharps Containers for Safe Needle Disposal
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