Grand Forks Public Health has recently announced a new location for the community to dispose of their sharps safely. Medical sharps, including needles, are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash. The new drop-off facility at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St. will help prevent future hazards by keeping these sharps out of the trash.
The opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, Michael Dulitz, stated that this initiative will reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community and provide a safer way to dispose of sharps. To ensure safe disposal, containers must be made of sturdy plastic and come in sizes ranging from quart to gallon. Inspire Pharmacy sells these containers for less than $3 and is located around the block from the drop-off site at 360 Division Ave. #100.
The drop-off facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for containers under five quarts, while larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. It’s important to note that commercial entities are not accepted at this drop-off location. This new facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that was closed due to construction but is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health.
This new initiative is an essential step towards preventing sharps from being improperly disposed of in regular trash and provides a convenient, safe, and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps. By reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community, this program contributes to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in Grand Forks area.
It’s worth noting that proper disposal of medical sharps is crucial as they can pose significant risks when not handled properly, including injury or death if they are accidentally pricked or ingested by someone who does not know they contain infectious materials such as HIV or hepatitis B viruses.
With this new drop-off location available at Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St., it’s essential that community members take advantage of it to ensure their safety and protect those around them from potential harm caused by improperly disposed medical sharps.
Overall, this initiative highlights the importance of responsible waste management practices within our communities and how they can contribute towards creating a safer environment for all residents in Grand Forks area