DISCARDED DRUG NEEDLES WILL BE COLLECTED IN BOXES

The City of Nanaimo plans to install three drop boxes throughout the
downtown core to collect discarded needles left behind by drug
addicts. Two needle exchange programs hand syringes out to clients,
reaching people both on the street and in their homes. Though the
recovery numbers vary from month to month, the two programs average a
successful return rate of the thousands of used needles, sitting at
96% or higher. Residents in downtown neighbourhoods, however, still
find the used and possibly infectious items lying next to apartment
buildings, along city streets and in public parks. While city staff
consult with neighbours during the next two weeks, some councillors,
staff and outreach workers suggested several possible sites for the
drop boxes.

POPULAR DEMAND: Two needle exchange programs in Nanaimo hand out
syringes several days a week. Both the Nanaimo Needle Exchange and the
Tillicum Haus needle exchange collect used needles from users who
return each week, looking for sterile equipment for their habits.

STAIRWELL ON ROBARTS STREET: This regularly visited location is
particularly popular during the day and located across the street from
the Needle Exchange on Cavan Street. Houses and buildings to both the
east and the west provide shelter for addicts who want to duck out of
sight while injecting. Trees and shrubs provide even further camouflage.

NOB HILL PARK: Neighbourhood residents around this attractive park
have long complained about finding used needles lying in the grass and
near playground equipment. The park is especially popular among users
after dark.

ESPLANADE STREET: Downtown businesses and apartment buildings may have
fewer syringes on their front door step if a drop box was installed
somewhere near the Salvation Army's New Hope Centre, which has become
the heart of the downtown homeless community because of health and
social services offered. Several outreach workers have offered this
site as a possible suggestion.

7,000 Needles handed out monthly by the Nanaimo Needle
Exchange.

100% Needles handed back in each month.

350 Needles handed out monthly by Tillicum Hause

96% Needles handed back in each month.