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What is "Cleanworks" Needle Exchange Program (NEP)?
Cleanworks NEP is a service of the Health Unit and the
community for local injection drug users (IDUs). It provides
sites where used needles can be exchanged for new needles
and other drug use equipment.
Benefits of a NEP
To the IDU:
- Reduced needle sharing and therefore less chance of
contracting or transmitting a blood borne pathogen like HIV,
Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Positive contact with the community and a potential source
of help or referral to other community services.
To the Community:
- Safe disposal of used needles.
- Reduced incidents of blood borne pathogens in the community.
What happens at needle exchange sites?
- The person wishing to make an exchange brings used needles
in a sharps container or a rigid plastic container with a
tight fitting lid to an exchange site and disposes safely.
- The person making the exchange will receive new needles and
other supplies needed to inject, to reduce the risk of
transmitting a bloodborne pathogen.
- The person receives information about infections, safer
injecting, community resources and referrals.
- No personal information is recorded.
Needle Exchange Sites in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
Counties:
All Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
offices:
- 458 Laurier Blvd. Brockvillle, ON 345-5685
- 52 Abbott St. North Smiths Falls, ON 283-2740
- 2685 Concession Rd. Kemptvillle, ON 258-5941
- 79 Spring St. Unit. #3 Almonte, ON 256-1203
- 839 Stone St. N Gananoque, ON 382-4231
Community Sites:
- Gananoque Pharma Save, 220 King Street East, Gananoque, ON
382-1333
- Delta Community Pharmacy, 18 King Street, Delta, ON 928-2632
- For more information about the "Cleanworks" Needle Exchange
Program call: 1-800-660-5853
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