(SASKATOON) January 29, 2004 -- Saskatoon Fire
& Protective Services (SF&PS) and Saskatoon Health Region
(SHR) – Public Health Services have developed a procedure
to help landlords and building managers safely collect discarded
needles left in units/suites by former tenants.
Each year, Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services (SF&PS)
collects a number of used needles from schoolyards, parks, allies
and boulevards. Recently SF&PS has been receiving many requests
from landlords and property managers to search through vacated apartments
for used needles. While neither SF&PS nor Public Health Services
have the mandate to search for needles left in vacated rental properties,
both agencies knew something needed to be done.
Used hypodermic needles pose a serious danger to the public. "Diseases
such as Hepatitis and HIV can be transmitted due to the contaminated
blood left behind in the syringe," says District Chief Sid
Homenuk. "Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services will remove
needles from premises, but only after they have been collected."
Karen Grauer, Manager of the Healthy Lifestyles Department at Public
Health Services created the new "Landlord Needle Disposal Kit"
which allows landlords to safely collect needles in a container
for
pick-up by Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services.
The Landlord Needle Disposal Kit consists of gloves, a puncture
proof container, tongs and a training video about safe needle handling.
The kits are available at the following fire stations:
- #1 Station – 125 Idylwyld Drive South
- #2 Station – 3111 Diefenbaker Drive
- #3 Station – 1906 York Avenue
- #6 Station – 3309 Taylor Street East
"Discarded needles are an important public health issue for
Saskatoon residents," says Dr. Cory Neudorf, Chief Medical
Health Officer for Saskatoon Health Region. "Public Health
Services is pleased to partner with Fire & Protective Services
to provide a safe way for landlords to safely dispose of discarded
needles."
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For more information please contact:
District Chief Homenuk
Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services
(306) 975-8370
Joy Adams Bauer
Corporate and Public Affairs
Saskatoon Health Region
(306) 655-8410
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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