Whereas harm reduction best practices include needle distribution rather than needle exchange; And whereas local governments are left to clean up discarded drug paraphernalia such as needles found within their jurisdiction: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop an effective retrieval and safe disposal program for used needles and that they involve local governments in the development of this program.
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions For the past several decades, sterile needle and other harm reduction supply distribution has been a key part of provincial public health policy. Harm reduction and needle distribution programs strive to support people who use drugs and are vulnerable to various preventable health and social harms. Sterile syringe distribution is an evidence-based harm reduction approach shown to reduce or stop the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. It also offers an opportunity for people to connect to health care services. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is aware of the public concerns regarding the improper disposal of used needles in BC communities, including the public fears and anxiety relating to this matter. We are working with the Ministry of Health to support the sustainability of harm reductions programs throughout the province, including effective harm reduction supply distribution and the collectiondisposal of used supplies and drug-related litter. We are also further committed to developing and investing in a comprehensive substance use continuum of care that provides a range of access points and treatment, recovery and harm reduction care pathways to address substance use challenges. Regional health authorities, municipal officials, and community partners must work together when issues of discarded needles arise in a community. A provincial Harm Reduction Community Guide offers guidance to municipalities in BC to take a facilitative role in reducing the level of drug-related harm in their communities. This guide sets out evidence and potential benefits of using a harm reduction approach to address the harms associated with problematic substance use. Further, the Strengthening Communities Services funding programfunded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as part of the Safe Restart Agreement to manage the impacts of COVID-19will deliver 100 million with an aim to support unsheltered homeless populations and strengthen communities health and safety through an application-based program. The program guide included harm reduction services and cleaning and waste management services as activities eligible for funding. During the September 2019 UBCM Convention, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions announced the Community Wellness and Harm Reduction Grants. In total, twenty-four municipalities and their community partners received up to 50,000 in Community Wellness and Harm Reduction Grant funding for initiatives that build on community wellness, safety and harm-reduction efforts related to the overdose crisis and saving lives. The one-time grants were supported by the Community Crisis Innovation Fund through the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and were administered by the Community Action Initiative. The BC Centre for Disease Control BCCDC, with support from the Province, has established harm reduction policy and guidelines that includes direction on recovery and safe disposal of syringes section 8 see also 2018 safe needle disposal fact sheet. Evidence shows that limiting the number of needles distribution increases the likelihood of people sharing or re-using needles, increasing the risk of disease. The BCCDC and Office of the Provincial Health Officer PHO recommend against needle buy-back programs for multiple reasons: lack of evidence that they are effective, and may cause unintended harm and consequences, such as the increased risk of needle stick injury, risks associated with breaking into or removing community disposal boxes, and wastage. Additionally, the BCCDC recommends that communities engage with peers to develop a plan to address discarded needles. Peers are best situated to know where needles are being discarded and engage others who use needles about safe disposal. The Ministry welcomes ongoing cooperation between municipalities, regional health authorities and community partners to help ensure that British Columbias communities are safe and healthy, and that shared public concerns such as inappropriately discarded syringes are addressed in an effective and timely manner. Links Harm Reduction Community Guide: https:www.health.gov.bc.calibrarypublicationsyear2005hrcommunityguide.p… Harm Reduction Policy and Guidelines: http:www.bccdc.caresource-galleryDocumentsGuidelines20and20FormsGuideli… Safe Needle Disposal: https:towardtheheart.comassetsuploads15276107563Hj7kciGR0OH1ApkKGHt7rL4… Retrieval of Used Needles: http:www.bccdc.caresource-galleryDocumentsGuidelines20and20FormsGuideli…