DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has contributed funds to the Strafford County Public Health Network (SCPHN) as part of a new pilot project for syringe disposal in Dover.
The project will create an anonymous public sharps disposal program, with a goal of decreasing the amount of improperly disposed of needles and medical waste in the community by providing safe disposal units.
“This is a low-barrier, effective strategy to improve community health and safety,” said Ashley Wright, Public Health Network Manager for SCPHN (a program of Greater Seacoast Community Health). “We’re grateful to Wentworth-Douglass for supporting us in making an impact on public safety and public health by reducing harm and increasing access to disposal resources.”
The collaboration also includes SOS Recovery Community Organization, the New Hampshire Harm Reduction Coalition, The Doorway operated by Wentworth-Douglass, and other community members and organizations. The public health effort was supported unanimously by the Dover City Council and builds upon existing programming and infrastructure already available in the Dover community.
Syringe disposal boxes and resources already exist at Wentworth-Douglass, SOS Recovery, the Dover Public Library, and at various NH Harm Reduction Coalition ‘stops’. The program will add them at several locations throughout the city.
“We’re proud to work with Strafford County, and all our other community public health partners, on a simple project like this that can make a huge difference,” said Peter Fifield, substance use disorder program manager at Wentworth-Douglass’ Doorway location. “Sadly, substance misuse remains an epidemic in our region, so anything we can do to limit medical waste is very important from both a public health and quality of life perspective.”
For more information and supportive resources, please visit: linktr.ee/doverdisposal
About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a more than 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation.