The Rates of Improperly Disposed-of Used Needles Are Increasing

Children’s playground with used syringe needles.

An unfortunate side effect of the addiction problem across the United States is the increased rate of improperly disposed of needles in public spaces. Needles that have been used to intravenously inject drugs are being found anywhere from public restrooms and street corners to parks and children’s playgrounds.

At best, the biohazardous waste is picked up by someone with proper safety equipment, at worst children end up finding them and getting pricked. One of the main concerns when it comes to this issue is the potential transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis C and HIV.

Like every other state, Colorado has been experiencing its own problems with this issue. In Denver, two elementary school students were recently pricked by used needles after finding the syringes near a custodial office by their playground at Lincoln Elementary School. The students were later taken to hospital to be tested for infectious diseases.

An area near the Denver Rescue Mission recently became restricted due to needing a large-scale cleanup. The amounts of used needles, human waste and trash became so extensive that the Department of Public Health and Environment had to step in to fix the situation.

Over recent years the frequency of used needles being found by park cleanup crews in Fort Collins has gone up significantly. It is now standard practice for park employees to carry sharps containers and puncture proof gloves while cleaning. This is done in order to protect employees from potential infection while safely disposing of the hazardous waste.

In an attempt to address this issue some cities have begun to offer needle exchange programs. The main goal of these programs is to cut back on the amounts of used needles that wind up in public spaces. Advocates for these programs say that they help to cut back on the spread of communicable diseases among Intravenous (IV) drug users. Needle exchange services also provide education, treatment referrals, and testing.

In order to effectively address such a complex problem, a multifaceted approach would need to be taken. A few things that would help cut back on this concern would be:

  • Raising public awareness of this issue.
  • Increasing funds and efforts placed in drug prevention programs.
  • Supplying clean up crews with proper safety equipment and training.
  • Providing better access to treatment for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Some people have argued that Supervised Injection Facilities (SIFs) would also help this problem. The Denver City Council passed a bill last November that approved the creation of SIFs in Denver. The idea has received much criticism and pushback including letters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado and the Drug Enforcement Administration. These letters stated that such facilities would still be considered illegal under federal law. Although well-intentioned, SIFs will probably not be opening up in Denver any time soon.

When it comes to SIFs, there are strong opinions on both sides and arguments often become heated. Both sides make valid points:

Arguments for Supervised Injection Facilities:

  • They can provide referrals to treatment for IV drug users who wish to quit.
  • They can reduce the number of drug overdose deaths, for those who use SIFs.
  • They would lead to a reduction in the amount of improperly disposed-of used syringes that are often left in public areas and cause health hazards for the general public.
  • They have been shown to help reduce the spread of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Arguments against Supervised Injections Facilities:

  • They may send mixed messages to youth about the dangers of IV drug use.
  • They could enable addicts to continue self-destructive behavior by giving them a safe place to shoot up without having to worry about the negative consequences of doing so.
  • They have the potential to lower property values for surrounding homes and businesses.
  • They would inevitably attract drug dealers and could raise crime rates in the surrounding area.

No matter which side of the argument you stand on regarding the debate over SIFs, one thing remains that we can all agree on; something needs to be done to cut back on the amounts of used needles being left in public places. For the health and welfare of all our citizens, we need to continue working on solutions to solve this nationwide problem.


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AUTHOR

Julie

After overcoming her own addiction in 2012 Julie went on to become certified as an addiction counselor in order to help others achieve a life of recovery. She worked in the addiction field for 8 years and now uses both her personal and professional experiences with addiction as an influence for her writing.

NARCONON COLORADO

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION