Published on Friday, 29 June 2018 at 2:06:50 PM
The Town of Port Hedland has endorsed strong advocacy measures with the State and Federal Government to continue to improve Needle Safety Initiatives across the Hedland community.
Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs) have been operating in Hedland for 22 years: currently, Hedland Well Women’s Centre and WA Country Health Services Pilbara are the two providers.
Statistically, NSPs have reduced the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C by providing free sterile injecting equipment for people who inject drugs.
There are a 12 safe needle disposal units across Port and South Hedland: however, 143 syringes were collected by the Town in public spaces between January and May 2018.
Mayor Camilo Blanco welcomed Council’s endorsement, stressing the importance of continuing to reduce the transmission of blood borne viruses in the community and improve needle disposal.
“I would like to commend the work of Hedland Well Womens’ Centre, WA Country Health Services Pilbara and all community stakeholders who facilitate NSPs across Hedland.
“Your work is lifesaving and supports those who are struggling with addiction in our community.
“I would also like to acknowledge and commend Hedland community member, Dean Davis, for being an active voice on this issue and being passionate about needle safety.
“The Pilbara region has a higher prevalence of drug injection than the State average, so we need to work collaboratively to reduce unsafe injection practices and unsafe needle disposal.
“Current rates of unsafe syringe disposal are completely unacceptable and pose a severe risk to the whole community.
“I want to stress that there is no statistical evidence that NSPs increase drug use rates: rather, they reduce the stigma of those seeking help with their addiction and save lives.
“I would like to draw attention to the Port Hedland Alcohol and Other Drug Management Plan 2018-2020, which focusses on prevention based, harm reduction measures and provides Council with a blueprint on reducing drug use in Hedland.
“I look forward to advocating across all levels of Government to strengthen local NSPs and improve community safety and health outcomes into the future.”
Please be advised the direct coordination of NSPs is under State and Federal legislative jurisdiction.
Please click here to access information on what do if you find a discarded needle and syringe: http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/HealthyWA/Original/1850-safe-needle-disposal-poster.pdf
For media information
Laura Hawes, Manager Marketing Communications and Events
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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