Surge in discarded needle complaints causes concern for Boston families

BOSTON — Reports of discarded hypodermic needles are on the rise across Boston pointing to growing concerns, exacerbated during the pandemic.

In just the last week, the city’s 311 system shows nearly 200 complaints about abandoned syringes.

Those complaints span virtually every corner of the city.

It seems just as quickly as the city’s mobile sharps team picks up the used syringes, more appear.

“It’s getting significantly worse. Now you’re seeing them everywhere,” said Matthew Phillips, a South End resident and father of two kids.

Some parents told Boston 25 News the volume and consistency of needles is requiring 311 complaints nearly every day.

“It’s gotten to the point where some people feel it’s not safe to live here,” explained Phillips. “It couldn’t have a larger impact than that where someone is leaving their home because they don’t feel safe.”

In the last month, at least seven syringes have been removed from the property of Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain.

The school’s president Brian Maher told Boston 25 News the school has been largely vacant since March, which he believes resulted in people congregating on the grounds.

He said school officials told notice in August and have been in routine communication with the city and Boston police.

Maher said Boston Police have been “very responsive” in responding to incidents and have been actively monitoring suspicious activity.

Maher said he and his staff regularly patrol the grounds to look for discarded needles after students returned for in-person learning on September 10th.

A city spokesperson said the city is expanding its sharps recovery team from two team members to six team members to address this growing problem.

There are also 14 needle kiosks throughout the city where people can safely dispose of used needles.

“It continues to be our goal to protect the City’s most vulnerable while balancing public safety and quality of life concerns for those who live and work in this area. The opioid epidemic did not go away during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said a written statement sent to Boston 25 News. “The public health emergency presented new challenges and exacerbated existing inequities. While we continue our work to stop the spread of COVID-19, we also continue to provide supportive services for individuals struggling with substance use disorder.”

Cox Media Group