BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Boston city officials say the heroin epidemic is so pervasive they have launched a special two-person team dedicated to picking up discarded needles. The "Mobile Sharps" unit was launched earlier this summer in conjunction with the city's BOS:311 mobile app, but FOX25 has learned that the app doesn't always work.
Since May, city employees have picked up more than 5,000 syringes reported through the app or the city's 311 phone line.
"We're in the middle of an opioid epidemic at this point," said Sarah Mackin, who is part of Mobile Sharps. "There's really no one hotspot, it's really a citywide issue."
In a statement, a city spokeswoman told FOX25, "We appreciate this issue being brought to our attention. As with any new technology, we are still working on Bos:311 to get every feature right. We are currently addressing the issue concerning the needles and the Boston Public Health Commission has been working diligently since being notified to remove all reported needles. Residents are encouraged to tweet at @BOS311 or dial 311 if they are experiencing any difficulties in making reports on the BOS:311 application. Our multi-faceted approach to addressing residents' concerns will assist in ensuring no matter - large or small - falls through."
For residents who see needles on a daily basis, like Tamika Robinson, the idea of getting them picked up with the swipe of a finger is appealing.
"It's needed, cause it's happening more and more, and it doesn't seem like it's gonna stop," Robinson said.
Cox Media Group
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