HOSPITAL TO ACCEPT USED NEEDLES

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will be accepting used needles, lancets and syringes from Rockland County residents on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon and 6-8 p.m. at the hospital’s south loading dock. This service is part of the Rockland County SHARPS Disposal Program, operated by a coalition of county hospitals and nursing homes, and is free of charge.

Any Rockland resident who uses SHARPS in the home is eligible to participate in this county-wide program. This includes individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions, such as cancer or allergies, requiring medication by injection. The SHARPS Disposal Program is an environmentally responsible method to dispose of unwanted needles, lancets and syringes, which are a potential danger to sanitation workers and the environment when disposed of improperly. Residents must place the used items into an approved container, which may be obtained from a surgical supply house or pharmacy. When the container is full, it should be closed and brought to one of the collection sites.

SHARPS are collected every month at a designated hospital or nursing home. For additional information on the SHARPS Disposal Program, a schedule of collection sites, or the drop-off at Helen Hayes Hospital, call the Department of Health at 845-364-2086.

  helen hayes hospital, Rockland County SHARPS Disposal Program, west haverstraw