As Dana was walking our dog Millie this morning, she noticed our little pooch walking over towards a small item resting on the ground.
As she got closer and looked, she could clearly see it was a used needle/syringe resting on the grass.
After she told me about it, I walked down to the spot and recalled a press release I received months back.
I took out my phone and immediately called the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
I told the receptionist about the situation, and explained the location where we spotted the needle – which is in an alley way parallel to Dufferin Avenue and Blake Street in Wallaceburg in behind the Community Living Resource building.
She put me through to Hamid Ali with the Health Unit, who told me he would come to Wallaceburg from Chatham to properly dispose of the needle.
He said in these type of situations, if the needle is found on public property he can come and dispose of it. However, if the needle is found on private property, he would have to phone the police to take care of it.
He said there are only a few places in Chatham-Kent where you can properly dispose of needles.
After going back home, doing some work and then taking the dog to an appointment… Millie and I went for a stroll when we got back, to see if the needle was still there.
Thankfully it was gone.
However, the whole situation got me thinking.
What if my kids picked up this needle?
What if my dog would have gotten it in her mouth?
Who threw the needle there?
Why?
I know I can’t provide answers to all of these questions in one single column. Many different issues and problems seemed to be screaming up at me as I looked down at it.
However, one thing that every parent can do is talk to their kids about this situation and make sure they know what to do if they spot a needle/syringe when they are biking, playing at the park, going for a walk, etc.
I scrounged up that old press release, and found these tips from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit:
Where could I find used needles or razors?
Anywhere. You could find them in places like parks, ditches, yards, or along roadways.
Are they dangerous?
Yes! They can cut you and expose you to diseases (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV). It is important that they are disposed of properly.
What should I do if I find them?
Do not touch them. Contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit as soon as possible to report them. The health unit will pick them up and dispose of them safely.
Please note that the health unit does not provide needle collection services to people who use needles for medical purposes, such as diabetics.
For more information or to report littered needles or razors, contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270.
