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Used needles found in parks raising public health concerns in Portland


Portland residents say needles used to inject opioids are being on the ground around the city’s parks. (WGME)
Portland residents say needles used to inject opioids are being on the ground around the city’s parks. (WGME)
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PORTLAND (WGME) – Portland residents say needles used to inject opioids are being left on the ground around the city’s parks.

Despite snow covering much of the ground, several dirty needles were visible in Deering Oaks Park Thursday.

"It's every day,” Jeff Weintraub, who is experiencing homelessness, said. “You'll find them here, there, piled there, everywhere."

Portland residents say needles used to inject opioids are being on the ground around the city’s parks. (WGME)

CBS13 found used needles Thursday on Preble Street, Bayside Trail and in Deering Oaks Park.

"I've been with my kids when we've encountered needles and had to call it in," Amanda McKrell, who brings her children to Deering Oaks Park, said.

McKrell often brings her children to Deering Oaks Park. Members of her church have even picked up needles there.

She says the problem is even worse when it's warmer.

"That splash pad that we use is really close to where we found one of the needles, where kids are sometimes barefoot and running around," McKrell said. "And so we've gone to other parks instead of this one because I didn't have to worry about what my kids are picking up."

Many needles come from nonprofits who say they distribute them to people with substance use disorders so they don't share or reuse needles.

Paul Oviatt says he sees needles all the time walking his dog through Deering Oaks Park.

"It's pretty common. I've been here five years and I've seen it a lot," Oviatt said. "There's got to be a better way to do it. I don't know what that is."

Portland has put containers up throughout the city.

"We've been adding them to as many locations as possible," Jessica Grondin of the City of Portland said.

There's also a needle exchange program and several city departments who pick up needles as well.

"For the ones that you locate and you're able to call in, you're glad,” McKrell said. “The question is, ‘Am I going to find it first or is my child?’”

If you see a needle, don't touch it. Report it to the city.

The city's public health division is also working with people who have addictions to try to get them into a rehab facility.

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