Junking the needles

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by Patrick Lejtenyi

While the return rate on syringes remains high among the city's IV drug users, it can still be higher, says Mathieu Feagan of community action group Spectre de rue. The nonprofit organization, in partnership with the city of Montreal, the Direction de la santé publique, local CLSCs and other community groups like CACTUS Montréal recently formed a committee to serve as a hub for the exchange of ideas, resources and information to collect stray needles.

"The main goals are to inform the public on how to safely dispose of syringes, to insure all daycares, schools and summer camps receive the information and to offer personal needle containers to addicts free of charge," explains Feagan. Also in the works are plans to set up more outdoor containers and install some in private businesses such as cafés and restaurants.

Spectre de rue, which runs a needle exchange program, has an individual needle recovery rate of over 85 per cent, he says. The new personal containers, which are smaller and more portable than the previous generation, are hoped to bump this even higher.

People who find needles or want information on needle disposal should call either their local CLSC or the city's emergency pick-up number at 872-3434.