East Providence, RI – East Providence residents now have a new option for disposing of used sharps devices such as needles, syringes, lancets, and razors. Two sharps disposal units were installed within the public restrooms of Weaver Library, 41 Grove Ave. The East Providence Fire Department and the East Providence Public Library, with support from the East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC), have collaborated to protect public health, reduce risk, address environmental concerns, and protect plumbing systems.
The presence of sharps disposal cabinets in public restrooms plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of our community. With a secure way to dispose of used needles, syringes, and other sharps, we significantly minimize the risk of needle stick injuries and potential transmission of diseases. Each locked, wall-mounted sharps disposal cabinet is heavy-duty stainless steel and tamper-resistant. These sharps disposal cabinets will promote proper disposal of sharps within our community.
The use of self-injected medications to treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes, allergies, migraines, and obesity has increased in recent years. For those who depend on timely injections for their health, they often have to do so away from home. They may seek the privacy of a public restroom to inject their medication discreetly and safely. However, disposing of the sharp can be a challenge. When there’s no sharps container available, needles are often discarded in the trash, exposing employees to bio-hazardous material. The safety of employees and patrons is the number one concern.
“I think this is a great initiative, many public buildings have them. It certainly promotes safe disposal of sharps easier while promoting safety, especially for the custodial staff,” Director of EMS Fire & Rescue Department, Captain John Potvin said.
Madeline Marlow, Coordinator of the East Providence Prevention Coalition
“I think it's a wonderful service to provide in our community and it is an identified need that has been expressed by our residents. Providing access to sharps disposal bins is helping to keep the community safe,” Madeline Marlow, Coordinator of the East Providence Prevention Coalition
said.
While the nation, our state, and our city battle an overdose epidemic, anything we can do to support members of our community and destigmatize drug addiction while normalizing seeking help for recovery from drug addiction, we are happy to do it," Meredith Bonds-Harmon, Library Director said.
Another city effort to address public health is to encourage proper disposal of unused medication. The next “Take Back Day” is Saturday, October 26, 8 am-12 pm at the East Providence Police Station, 750 Waterman Ave. If you can’t make that event, you can pick up free Deterra (a drug deactivation system), used to dispose of medications safely, in the EPPC Office at City Hall, the Senior Center, the Police Station, and all 4 East Providence fire stations.
