Without access to stable housing or supervised injection sites, some individuals may resort to injecting in public spaces. Discarded needles can carry bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis C. While these pathogens die over time, there’s no way to tell whether a used needle still poses a risk. If you encounter a large number of needles, do not put either yourself or your staff at risk. Openly discarded needles are a hazard to the general public, but improper disposal can also lead to needlestick injuries and potential infection for you, your employees, or sanitation workers.

 

The consequences of homelessness and addiction are visible and far reaching. The solutions are equally complex and require ongoing, unilateral commitments from individuals, communities, and government. We see these challenges in our parks, neighbourhoods, and workplaces throughout our communities. That is because those affected are a part of our communities. Until greater investment is made in harm reduction and support for mental health, housing, and addiction services, the need for services addressing the symptoms will remain.

 

Remedy technicians utilize the appropriate tools, protective equipment, training, and techniques to safely remove and properly dispose of sharps off-site. Our methods minimize the risk of needlestick injuries and contamination for building occupants, staff, and the public. Naloxone is carried on-site as a precautionary measure, and staff are trained in its administration. Our priority is to ensure safe, compliant remediation of high-risk environments with minimal disruption.