KENORA, Ont. -- Some residents in this northwestern Ontario community are growing concerned over the number of used needles being found in the city's waterfront area.
Officials with the Northwestern Health Unit says the often controversial needle exchange program has been growing rapidly, and the group is working with users of the program to try and mitigate the problem.
City workers say it's not uncommon to find used needles in the park, despite disposal units that are installed in the surrounding area.
Public health nurse Kim Elke says the number of needles being handed out through the Health Unit's exchange program has been growing exponentially throughout the years. Elke says despite sharp increases in drug use, exchange programs are extremely effective in the prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C.
Elke adds that the Health Unit will continue to facilitate the program, and work with users to reduce the number of the improperly disposed needles.
(Thunder Bay Television)
