The management of the safe disposal of sharps will be discussed by the City of Penticton and representatives of Interior Health today.
Representatives from the city said they are going to encourage Interior Health to hold a conversation with the public on the issue of sharps and how best to address the concerns being raised by residents and visitors.
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“I am looking forward to speaking with Interior Health (Thursday) and having an open and frank discussion concerning the challenges Penticton is experiencing when sharps are improperly discarded in parks, along trails or near waterways,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki. “While this issue is not unique to Penticton, a solution for our community needs to be arrived at quickly. Accidental encounters of carelessly discarded sharps, combined with the manner and volume in which they are being distributed, must be examined closely and an effective multi-party solution arrived at as soon as possible.”
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The city said they will continue to work with its partners over the coming days and explore additional options to better manage sharps disposal.
“We are aware of the distress that discarded sharps are causing our residents and visitors. Staff intend to bring forward new options for council’s consideration that could help reduce the frequency of discarded harm causing sharps in Penticton,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Donny van Dyk.”
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