Blood-borne illnesses like hepatitis B and C, and HIV are easily spread through the sharing of needles. Even people who use intravenous (in the vein) insulin for diabetes can contribute to the spread of these illnesses, if they do not dispose of needles and syringes properly. Needles and syringes could be picked out of the garbage, used for illegal drugs, and shared with others.

Anyone who uses intravenous drugs is encouraged to dispose of needles and syringes in an official sharps container. The containers are available from selected pharmacies in the Windsor area. Intravenous drug users should also use a clean needle and syringe each time a drug is injected. The Windsor needle and syringe exchange program provides clean and safe equipment to those who need it. All information is kept confidential.
Follow the links below for information on the sharps disposal, and needle exchange programs.

Health Canada reports, "needle and syringe exchange programs have reduced transmission rates of HIV and hepatitis B virus, but not hepatitis C virus. Without needle and syringe exchange programs, the rate of hepatitis C virus infection would likely be even greater."