SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Starting Wednesday, Skagit County Public Health will test a needle pickup program in response to the public’s request to do something about discarded, used needles found in local communities.
Officials said as many as 100 needle pickup kits will be dispensed from the county’s health offices in Mount Vernon over six months.
The free kits will reportedly include safety glasses, gloves, a needle pickup tool and a sharps container for people interested in participating.
Once a container is filled, participants will be able to return it to Public Health for disposal, officials said.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Dog found skinned, mutilated in Thurston County
- Prosecutors: Woman fabricated accusations of rape, assault against police
- Seattle City Council debates erecting giant tents for the homeless
- MISSING TEEN: Police search for 15-year-old girl missing from Chehalis
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
"Depending on the results of this pilot program, we'll consider whether we expand the program or form ongoing partnerships with local community groups or agencies," Public Health Director Jennifer Johnson said.
People who want to participate can get information about the pilot program at this link or call 360-416-1559.
Officials said they want people who decide to participate to take proper precaution and use extreme care when handling the discarded needles.
Cox Media Group