CALGARY — Calgary’s Alpha House Society and the City of Calgary's collaboration efforts to clean up needle debris in the city has removed more than 6,000 needles and sharps from city streets in its first six months of operation.

The Calgary Alpha House Society Needle Response Team was initiated in January 2019.

The Alpha House team has initiated proactive needle patrols, collecting 6,570 needles/sharps in the first six months and responding to 541 calls from Calgarians.

"It’s interesting to see how it is a city-wide issue. Certainly we see a lot in the downtown core, which is not surprising, but it’s an issue where we’re getting calls to Shawnessy, Westbrook, throughout the whole city," said Adam Melnyk, Outreach Manager, Alpha House Society.

There are currently 22 needle debris boxes managed by the Calgary Fire Department in different areas across the city. Five needle boxes are being relocated or added based on data collected through community partners.

“We’ve done very specific assessment of those needle boxes — where they’re placed and the number of needles that we’re getting in those boxes. That’s allowed us to re-prioritize where those boxes should be placed," said CFD Assistant Deputy Chief Deb Bergeson.

Reduced firefighter response

The fire department continues to respond to needle pickup calls, but this program has reduced the number of calls firefighters respond to. Since January 2019, the fire department has responded to 906 calls for needle debris, 226 per cent less than the previous year.

Calgary Alpha House Society is a non-profit group, providing assistance to individuals with alcohol and drug addictions.

The needle response team can be reached Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling or texting 403-796-5334 or emailing needle@alphahousecalgary.com

After hours, the Calgary Fire Department continues to respond to needle debris on public property, or near school yards and playgrounds that pose a safety risk. Those incidents can be reported by calling the non-emergency line at 403-264-1022.

The City of Calgary website has information online on how to dispose of needles.