GREENFIELD — People will soon be able to dispose of used needles and syringes at four sites throughout the city.
The Greenfield Health Department and Tapestry have worked to provide the four sharps containers because officials say misplaced syringes and needles can cause infection or injury when not disposed of properly.
According to a press release from Mayor Roxann Wedegartner’s office, the new containers will be at Green River Park, Energy Park, Hillside Park and the Fire Station parking lot.
“Please be sure to do everything you can to protect yourself, your community, your friends and your environment and use sharps containers,” Tapestry CEO Cheryl Zoll said in the release. “We know that access to safe syringe disposal is essential for the well-being and safety of our communities. This collaboration with the Greenfield Health Department allows us to increase access to safe, secure disposal in four areas throughout the city. Our hope for this initiative is to continue to provide education about safer syringe disposal and continue to see an increase in syringes being disposed of properly.”
Wedegartner said using sharps containers helps reduce the risk of injury and infection.
“It is also an important element for harm reduction in our community,” she said in the press release. “I am grateful for this new partnership between our Health Department and Tapestry.”
Wedegartner said Health Director Jennifer Hoffman and Tapestry’s Director of Harm Reduction Programs Liz Whynott were crucial to making the four new sharps containers a reality.
Tapestry offers mobile syringe access and disposal via a delivery and pick-up service in the city. To arrange for mobile services, call or text 413-221-7722. The services are free and confidential.
For more information about the syringe disposal program, contact the Health Department at 413-772-1404.