Wicomico County Health Department received funding from Maryland Department of Health through the Office of Population Health Improvement to provide Maryland State Police (2765 N. Salisbury Boulevard) with a syringe kiosk, available 24/7. We are excited to partner together to provide a safer alternative to discarding syringes.
The kiosk provides a safe and secure way to dispose of used/unwanted syringes in a compliant and anonymous way for those with medical conditions and/or have pets who require injections. Keeping used or unwanted syringes in your home increases the risk of needle sticks, cuts, punctures from loose sharps and unauthorized persons having access to them. Safe disposal of syringes also lessens the burden on our municipal waste systems.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one component of Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) is to protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes to prevent injury and the spread of viral hepatitis, HIV, and other infections. Additional information on services provided can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ssp/index.html
If you are accidently stuck by another person’s used needle or other sharp:
1. Wash the exposed area right away with water and soap or use a skin disinfectant (antiseptic) such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
2. Seek immediate medical attention by calling your physician or local hospital.
For any questions or concerns about the Syringe Kiosk program, please call the Prevention and Health Communications Department at 410-334-3480. For more info, visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth) or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).
Why not arrest them and put them in rehab and off the streets?????????
Does anyone really believe drug a addict cares about safe needle disposal?
Just another “feel good” tactic…Possibly people that use insulin and have to inject might use this, but the heroin junkies or the ones that shoot up ANYTHING are certainly not going to the POLICE BARRACKS to “safely dispose” of their needles.
Nobody, not even insulin users are going to take their used syringes to a disposal unit at a police station. I’m sure insulin users have already established a means of safe disposal. This is such a worthless program.
As a person who takes an injected biologic, my used materials are disposed of at my providers office that I take in as part of my routine care. I’m not at all sure why disposing of them at a police station is necessary. I’m pretty sure anyone who has prescribed medication via self injection (or for pets as mentioned) has this same availability.
Now all the junkies have somewhere to go and get some used needles without having to pay for them.