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Learn about the innovative Eureka! program in Rhode Island that safely collects used sharps, reducing injuries and financial losses, improving worker morale. Patented electronic kiosks provide a safe and efficient solution for pharmacies and waste handlers.
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Eureka! Co-Creators Cherie Fisher Eureka! – Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. Executive Director Chrysalis Environmental Solutions, LLC President Karen LeBoeuf Eureka! – Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc Deputy Director Chrysalis Environmental Solutions, LLC Vice- President
Reasons for Developing Program in Rhode Island • Over a 9 month period in 1999, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation experienced: • 40% increase in loose sharps on the MRF line • 5 worker needle stick injuries • $120,000 loss due to shut-downs on the line • Loss productivity at the plant and reduced worker morale
Eureka! Sharps Disposal SystemRhode Island Partners • Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island • Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation • Stericycle, Inc. • Rhode Island Department of Health • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Eureka Needle Disposal Program • Coordinate local committees • Create Kiosk to waive need for OSHA trained staff • Consolidate existing state programs • Pharmacies • Fire Stations • Police Stations • Expand sites
Site Locations • Training provided for site coordinator (s) • Sites are at 40 population based locations • Pharmacies • Fire Departments • Police Departments • Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. • Other
Education Campaign • Doctors, medical personnel, pharmacist, Firemen, Police Teach- “The right thing to do” • Consumer, patient, syringe user Learn- If they don’t do the “right thing” what the consequences might be.
Rhode Island Eureka! Preliminary Results • Over six million sharps collected • Gave away over 8,000 sharps containers in first year • 100% reduction in worker related injuries • 50% reduction in loose needles at the MRF • 50% reduction in financial losses • Significant improvement in worker morale
Pharmacy Response to Eureka! Program • Pharmacist love the program. • “We finally have an answer when asked, what do we do with our used syringes!” • Pharmacist received praise from customers for offering the program. • Pharmacist DO NOT want to touch the sharps containers or the interior waste container. • Pharmacist want kiosk safe for pharmacist, customers and waste hauler. • Pharmacies want a “Turn Key” solution.
Operation Barriers • Kiosk must: • Contain waste without a chance of overflowing. • Contain waste without having sharps containers or syringes visible to public. • Be safe for waste handlers when removing interior box. • Take minimal time away from pharmacist.
Solving Barriers Dec 2008 Eureka! will receive a grant from Champlin Foundation and a donation from Chrysalis Environmental solutions for new Electronic Kiosks.
Patented Electronic Kiosk • Patented safety lock hinges on lower locking door • Indicator light to show user statues of kiosk • Limited access roll bucket door • Optional floor anchoring kit • 14- gauge steel construction • No open box or viewing window for customers to see waste.
Safety Solutions to Pharmacist Issues Sonar device to identify waste level. Light turns yellow when kiosk is ¾ full. Alerting staff that kiosk is approaching need for a pick up. No need for Pharmacist to open kiosk. Light turns red and the upper door locks when the kiosk is full. Full level is just below top of box so containers will not jam. Interior box sides out safely with no worries of a spill.