SUNNYSIDE, Wash.-A new sharps disposal box has been installed at Astria Sunnyside Hospital for lancets, razors and needles.
The community is welcome to dispose of sharp medical items in the new bright red box located just outside the emergency room entrance.
According to Astria Health the box is intended to give the community a safe and convenient way to dispose of syringes, razor blades, needle tips and lancets to help protect against accidental injury and reduce the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
“Our goal was to create an opportunity to safely and securely dispose of used needles, razors, and lancets, particularly for those people who do not have personal sharps disposal containers at home,” said Elizabeth Jensen, Astria Health System Director of Pharmacy.
An unused medication disposal box was repurposed by Jensen and Jody Shively, RN, Astria Sunnyside Hospital Director, to create the new sharps disposal box according to the Hospital.
“It is critical that sharps are disposed of properly so that they do not become a potential risk for injury and biohazard exposure,” said Jensen.
Unused medications can still be securely disposed of Astria Health’s boxes located inside the lobby at both Astria Sunnyside Hospital and Astria Toppenish Hospital emergency departments.
