Needle disposals needed in more places around St. John's

As the spring thaw reveals usedneedles scattered on the ground,the co-ordinator of a needle distribution program in St. John's says more places are needed where injection drug users can safely dispose of their needles.

Tree Walsh, co-ordinator withtheAIDS committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, saidher organization gave out 500,000needles last year.

• Spring thaw uncovers carelessly discarded needles

Most users dispose of their needles properly, but some do end up being dumped in public spaces, Walsh told The St. John's Morning Show.

Where there's water, there are needles

Over the weekend,discarded needles were discovered around Quidi Vidi Lake as well as inBowing Park.

"Anywhere there's a sourcefor water, and needles are found there from time to time again, install a safe disposal box," Walsh said.

"That's the responsible thing to do. Our numbers are going up with people who are screaming to get on methadone. It's a much bigger problem."

Walsh saidher group is willing to work with businesses and community groups to put proper disposal containers where they are needed.

Walsh said most of the users who take advantage of the safe works access program return their needles.