Alaska state health department outlines what to do if you find a used syringe

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Spring has sprung in some components of Alaska, prompting these with cabin fever to get out into the hotter days with longer daylight. Some take walks with or with out their pets, some do yard work, and a few simply wish to play outdoors.

No matter Alaskans select to do open air, bear in mind that the melting snow could also be exposing winter-time litter, together with harmful objects equivalent to used syringes.

The Alaska Division of Well being and Social Companies just lately put out a public service announcement on Fb with the next pointers on the right way to safely eliminate syringes discovered outdoors:

• Choose it up fastidiously whereas carrying gloves. In the event you use a device, like pliers or tongs, ensure you can get a dependable grip. You don’t need the needle to slide out of the device’s grasp.⠀
• Don’t attempt to recap or break the needle as this will likely trigger damage or unfold germs and illness. In case you are caught with a needle, clear the positioning with cleaning soap and water or an antiseptic equivalent to rubbing alcohol, and name your physician or a hospital.
• Place it in a puncture-proof, lidded container. Medical sharps containers are greatest. Plastic bottles are subsequent greatest, however use one thing thicker than a milk jug – like a jug for detergent or kitty litter. As soon as the needles are in, don’t take them out.
• Take the container to an accepted drop-off web site. Accepted drop-off websites might embrace the landfill, an area clinic, or a fireplace station. At all times name forward earlier than dropping off.

Extra info, together with places of drop-off websites in Southcentral Alaska will be discovered by way of the division web site.

The division additionally held a public webinar on Thursday in regards to the rising opioid-related deaths in Alaska.

“We’ll share latest information for Alaska and exhibit the right way to use naloxone and fentanyl check strips,” the put up stated.

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