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Health officials are urging Londoners to become more educated about discarded needles and drug addiction.

While some continue to be concerned about discarded needles found around the city, officials say that the needles are only a small part of a bigger problem.

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“If we look at this issue through a middle-class lens, it’s hard to understand what is going on,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, the region’s medical officer of health.

“This issue affects all of society.”

Something easily disposable is not going to jump out and bite you. Dr. Chris Mackie

There are many reasons why a person may discard a used needle, including the stigma associated with carrying drug-related items.

Sonja Burke, a director at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, said there is not “a one-fix solution.”

“It’s not a moral issue, it’s a health issue,” Burke said.

Handing out new needles to those struggling helps to reduce the spread of disease. Burke said multiple community partners work together at the Counterpoint needle syringe program and each interaction includes talks about the importance of safe disposal.