Adams Continues Progress With Syringe Disposal
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health is making progress on disposing of discarded syringes.
Member Bruce Shepley told the board on Wednesday that collected syringes for the time being will be sent to the North Adams Ambulance Service.
Shepley initially raised the issue a few months ago when he became aware that residents had nowhere to safely dispose of their medical sharps. After some discussions with the Police Department, he found that littered syringes were also an issue in town.
"We know that the disposal of medical syringes is an issue ... so many people have them in their homes and they don't know how to get rid of them," Shepley said. "Also, with the heroin epidemic and drug problems in the communities, syringes are found in public."
Residents should call police if they find any syringes. The police are trained to handle them and will secure them and later deliver them to North Adams. The ambulance service has a disposal contract.
The Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee is also developing a tri-town plan to dispose of the syringes, said Shepley, who serves on the committee.
He said the board may allocate funds for this in the future.
"It will go out to all of the agencies involved and we can rip it up an assemble it and get out some thoughts down," he said.
In other business, the board said farewell to longtime member Roy Thompson, who will not run for re-election. Thomson has been on the board for 15 years.
"I would like to thank Roy for his service to the town and we will have a void here and we are losing valuable resources," Shepley said. "We know we will able to turn to him for help if needed. There aren't any other Roys in Adams."
Thompson said he has enjoyed serving the town.
"It has been a pleasure and it will always remain a real important thing to me. ... it's always nice to feel like you are part of the community and that you are doing something for the community," Thompson said. "It's nice to know that you helped and you have a feeling of accomplishment."
Thomson said he will continue his efforts to protect animals. He said people can contact him about humane issues at humaneroy5@yahoo.com.
Shepley also reported that veterinarians are expecting an increase in tick issues with pets this summer.
"If there are tick issues with animals there are tick issues with people because of the extreme mild winter," he said.
Tags: BOH, sharps, syringes, ticks,