Floyd County hopes to partner with retailer for drug needle drop-off box

Floyd County Health Department officials hope to have an answer to that problem soon.

Charlotte Bass, administrator with the health department, is working to put together a needle collection program where people can properly and safely dispose of used needles at a local retailer.

"People call us to pick up needles all the time," Bass said. "We will pick up needles if they call."

People will still be able to call the health department if they see a syringe along the side of the road or on their property, but a needle collection site would help solve some of that issue, Bass said. The goal is to get a retailer to allow the health department to place a box in restrooms where needles can be discarded safely. Bass said the health department has not yet reached an agreement with a local business, but continues to negotiate.

"If there is a safe place to dispose of needles instead of the trash it may keep someone from getting stuck," Bass said.

There will be another meeting Oct. 22 to discuss the issue. Bass said Floyd County is not to the point where a needle exchange program, similar to the one in Scott County, is needed.