PARTNERSHIP HELPS CLEAN UP P.A.

A community partnership is underway to help keep Prince Albert clean
and safe.

Members of the Safe Needle Prince Albert committee met Thursday to
discuss this year's spring cleanup and how to address needle pick up
during the cleanup.

"Often it's because of community relationships, community partnerships
that it works," said Marlene Allen, nurse manager of the sexual
health, HIV, and hepatitis C clinic.

This year's Pitch-In Week, a launch to a community-wide effort of
beautifying the city, will kick off in the downtown April 24.

"It's about community pride," said Jayne Remenda, executive-director
of the Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District Association. "It's
not just about the spring cleanup, which always has to be done, but
making it an event and a fun community activity. It's really about
building a sense of community and building a sense of pride."

Members of Safe Needle Prince Albert, including those who work in harm
reduction, will attend the launch to educate litter pickers on how to
pick up needles safely and to answer questions.

"It normalizes the situation for everyone and becomes part of a
comprehensive package of clean up," said Allen.

Having the community agencies come together as part of the committee
and addressing issues around found needles and addictions is positive,
she said.

"It provides a really comprehensive picture about what's going on in
the community. It doesn't just look at issues but we look at proactive
steps," Allen said.

"Once we know each other we can support each other."

Many committee members, such as the fire department, already make an
effort to clean up areas known to be so-called hot spots on a regular
basis. They are also looking at making those spots less appealing to
people using drugs.

The Ministry of Health is getting involved in the education effort. It
plans on rolling out a safe needle disposal information booklet in
time for the cleanups that happen provincewide.

"Information is a powerful thing and the more information and
education people have is helpful," said Joan Petrie, spokeswoman for
the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.

Each book has information from needle exchanges in other province and
has been adapted to accommodate each of the needs of different health
regions, and includes region specific contact information.

"It was adapted and morphed into our own," Petrie said.

The information is suitable for the general public, she said.