NEEDLE DROP-OFF PROJECT LAUNCHED

Red Deer's first secure 'drop boxes' for disposed needles were set up
this week.

The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) launched the pilot
project.

One box is located on the north side of the Arlington Hotel, with the
other at Rotary Recreation Park near the corner of 47 Avenue and 48
Street.

Each is the size of a mailbox and painted bright yellow.

"Over the last few years, many other communities have launched
successful needle drop box programs, including Edmonton and Calgary,"
said Lindsay Young, a harm reduction coordinator for the society.

"They've collected thousands of needles which would have otherwise
been found in alleyways, parks and buildings," she said.

Along with the Downtown Business Association, staff at CAANS narrowed
down a list of potential drop-off sites in Red Deer.

"The Arlington Hotel is a great example of a local business willing to
take action on an important community issue."

The boxes will be emptied and maintained by CAANS, with the needles
sent for biomedical waste disposal.

CAANS will evaluate the project next year.

If more boxes are necessary, they'll be installed in other
neighbourhoods interested in joining the initiative.

Other local organizations supportive of the project include the Red
Deer Museum, the Parkvale Community Association, the Golden Circle and
the City of Red Deer.