Case for needle pickup program gains support

SASKATOON Some Saskatchewan fire departments and harm reduction organizations are backing a proposal for a provincial needle pickup program.

Chris Carlson of Biomed Recovery and Disposal says it would address a data gap in where needles are found and ease the strain on municipal services that handle pickup.

His organization, which holds contracts with the Saskatchewan Health Authority for needle deposit boxes, submitted an unsolicited proposal to the ministry of health for a provincewide standardized needle pickup plan.

“Our view is that this is something that’s absolutely needed in this province,” Carlson said. “We have so many small towns and organizations, all working separate from each other.”

The company’s plan would implement full-time needle pickup service in the province’s nine largest urban centres and a central hotline for picking up needles, spoons and other drug paraphernalia.

Currently, needle pickup services vary widely by jurisdiction.

The proposal has received letters of support from AIDS Saskatoon, Prince Albert Fire Department, AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan and the Town of La Ronge.

Carlson’s proposal was sent to the ministry of health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority on July 31.

In a written response to Postmedia, Saskatchewan Health Authority spokesperson Amanda Purcell wrote “we have not identified a need for enhanced services on a provincial level,” and that were a need identified, applications would follow a standard procurement process.

Carlson said he would continue to push for greater consideration of his program.