In an effort to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens and promote a safer, healthier environment in Grand Forks, a new sharps disposal location has been announced. Located at the Grand Forks Withdrawal Management Center on 207 S. 4th St., the facility will accept medical sharps, including needles, which are considered hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular trash.
Community members can drop off their sharps in sturdy plastic containers, which can be purchased at Inspire Pharmacy for less than $3. The pharmacy is located around the block from the sharps disposal site at 360 Division Ave. #100. The drop-off facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for containers of sharps that are under five quarts. Larger quantities can be given to withdrawal management center staff between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
It’s important to note that commercial entities are not accepted at the drop-off location, but this new facility replaces the Altru Hospital drop-off that is currently closed due to construction. The program is supported by Grand Forks Public Health, Altru, Inspire Pharmacy, and Spectra Health. This initiative provides a convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of their sharps, preventing them from being improperly discarded in regular trash and contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in Grand Forks area.
The opioid response coordinator for Grand Forks Public Health, Michael Dulitz stated “This initiative will help reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens in the community by keeping sharps out of the trash.”
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