North Sound News

Skagit County Public Health to test needle pickup program

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.

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"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.