New Program Targets Needles and Garbage

Apr 4, 2019 | 4:00 PM

The City of Vernon is launching a program to deal with discarded needles and garbage in downtown hot spots.

The Folks on Spokes pilot project will start Monday and continue until October, assisting businesses with the clean-up on weekdays.

Rachael Zubick, Office Coordinator with Vernon Community Safety, says there are two parts to the program.

“One is the activation of the Sharps Hotline, a dedicated phone line where people can report improperly discarded needles for pick up. The second part is the daily clean up, where a team will focus on emerging or known hot spots in the downtown, between 8 and 10 am.”

To report an improperly discarded needle or emerging hot-spot call 250-550-7841 from 8 to 10 am Monday to Friday. After hours, the number will be forwarded to Vernon Bylaw Compliance.

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The program will operate Monday to Friday until October and work out of the Community Safety Office.

“The program will be staffed by peers (people with lived experience of substance use) as this helps to build awareness of the impact of discarded needles in the community,” says Zubick. “It also creates a sense of belonging and pride for participants, and builds relationships between peers, businesses and the wider community.”

The program came from a recommendation made by the Activate Safety Task Force to support businesses dealing with discarded needles and garbage

The Partners in Action provided research and design of the program, based on what was working well in other communities across BC.

by Corey Fischer