PORT ANGELES – You don’t want to be stuck by a used syringe, but you don’t want to be stuck with one, either.
Clallam County health officials offer this sharp solution:
If you use syringes to control diabetes, allergies or other medical symptoms, deposit them in an empty 2-liter soft drink bottle.
When it’s full, toss it out with your other trash.
Clallam County commissioners Monday considered another way to dispose of needles:
Syringe exchanges that are in place in Port Angeles and next month could open in Forks.
Health and Human Services Director Iva Burks told commissioners that the program already receives 1,300 to 1,500 used syringes from drug abusers each week.
The exchange runs from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday at Family Planning of Clallam County, 1106 E. First St.
It purposely is located away from the Clallam County Courthouse so addicts needn’t confront sheriff’s deputies, Burks said.
The exchange, plus HIV/AIDS testing, are anonymous and confidential.