Thread: Question for Diabetics Re: Sharps disposal?

Hello,
I am a photography student and am in the process of producing a campaign for an assignment. i am wondering if you could answer a question for me please? a family member of mine works is a dispenser at our local needle exchange. we were talking the other day and she told me that if some one with diabetes asks her for sharps, she has to turn them away!!! i couldnt believe it, especially when she told me she has to turn away approx. 2 diabetics a WEEK!!!...and how awful it makes her feel. she is forbidden to dispense or dispose of sharps from anyone other than people who use them for illegal purposes, drug users and steroid users. Just when i thought i couldnt be more shocked she went on to tell me what is on offer for them, all free, but that is another story altogether.

I asked her 2 following questions...

* Do you think this issue would benefit from change?
"YES"

* Do you think the system is wrong?
"YES, I BELIEVE EUROPE, POLAND FOR INSTANCE, THEY DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY"

i would love to know what other people think about this issue please.

Do you think this issue would benefit from change?

Do you think the system is wrong?

My idea is to produce a photographic campaign to bring awareness to this issue...and with some feedback, some creativity and 'The Wisdom of the Crowds' we could possibly change this.

All comments welcome and i will reply to any questions as soon as i can.
Many Thanks Jo (student of Photography & Digital Design)

It's horrible that diabetics who need the needles to live are denied them while those who need them for addiction are not. A diabetic who is asking for needles is in a bad way financially. Maybe your friend should make arrangements with a church group or a social worker to get the diabetic the help they need. The idea of a photographic campaign to bring awareness of the issues is a good one. It would do a lot for a diabetic to not have to lie to get free needles.