Syringe Squad picking up needles in downtown Sudbury

The Reseau Access Network started cleaning up needles in the downtown core just over a month ago.

The Reseau Access Network started cleaning up needles in Greater Sudbury's downtown core in July 2024 under a contract with the city which is set to run for six months. (Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)

The Sudbury Action Centre for Youth had the contract but it closed last winter due to insolvency. The new service provider said there is a peer element to the ‘Syringe Squad’ that helps to connect the community.

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Reseau Access workers with the syringe recovery program circulate the downtown area sometimes walking up to 22 kilometres a day. They clean up harm reduction supplies left by people who use substances.

“The community workers who go out and collect the discarded syringes in community do encourage folks to use the bins that are available,” said Angel Riess, the network’s manager of operations and communications.

“(They) also distribute naloxone and supplies as they circle around.”

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Juan Loranger is the coordinator of the program and said workers also check used needle disposal bins and call the city when they are full.

“If the community doesn’t have new materials they can reuse the same syringe and therefore increase the chance of spreading disease,” he said.

“That’s what we are trying to eliminate.”

Officials said the program provides workers with safety training.

With the exception of the coordinator, Loranger, the people cleaning up the syringes have lived experience with substance use, past or present.

“Enables us as service providers to know what the needs are and so by engaging peers and community workers within the different programs we are really helping them be part of the solution,” said Riess.

Officials told CTV News that the contract for the syringe recovery program is for the next six months.

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The number picked up monthly will be reported to the city, but stats for the month of July are not yet available to be released publicly. People who require assistance with syringe disposal can reach out to 311 or call 705-690-1939.