an organization running a needle exchange program to reduce harm in SudburyOntario, says about 40 people may have received used needles in the past six months.
Reseau ACCESS Network, which distributes harm reduction supplies to people who use drugs, says a staff member recently found new and used equipment in a container for single-use needles.
It says people who received single-use syringes from its downtown Sudbury location between July 1, 2022, and January 13 should be aware of a potential risk of exposure to bloodborne infections.
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Executive director Heidi Eisenhower says her organization is reaching out to people who may have been exposed to the hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV viruses as a result of “lapses” in infection prevention and control.
The organization says it is offering testing and support to those affected and providing information to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
It also says it has halted the practice of distributing individual needles until it receives the individually packaged needles and that an investigation is underway with Public Health Sudbury and the districts.
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