These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1If someone got stuck
Let it bleed a little. Wash the spot with soap and running water. Don't scrub or use bleach.
Go to a doctor, urgent care or the ER today, within 2 hours if you can. Medicine can help prevent HIV and hepatitis if started fast.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
2Picking it up safely
Don't touch it with bare hands. Use tongs, pliers or thick gloves.
Bring a hard plastic bottle with a screw cap, like a laundry soap bottle, to the needle. Don't carry the needle.
Point the sharp end away from you and drop it in, needle first. Never put the cap back on the needle.
Screw the cap on tight, tape it shut, and write "SHARPS, DO NOT RECYCLE" on it.
Wash your hands well afterward.
3Getting rid of it
Bring the sealed bottle to the public health office. They take used needles.
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Harm reduction, syringe services and medications for opioid use disorder
575-538-5318
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
If many needles are in a public place, report it.
Town of Silver City - Code Enforcement / Animal Control
Code enforcement and animal control (report)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
4For people who use
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission does not judge. Come in for meals, showers and someone to talk to.
The public health office has free clean needles, sharps containers, naloxone and testing.
If they want to stop, use the guide "Someone is overdosing, or wants to stop using drugs today".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.