Eight million people in the U.S. use medical sharps — needles, scalpels, lancets — at home to manage conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies and autoimmune disorders. Disposing of these sharps properly is a critical, yet often overlooked, part of keeping patients and communities safe.
Recent studies highlight this gap in awareness. One study of patients with diabetes at an endocrinology clinic found that only 41% of participants disposed of their sharps correctly. Even in a healthcare setting where patients receive ongoing medical care, gaps in sharps disposal knowledge and practices remain widespread. Without clear guidance, Illinoisans managing conditions at home are left to figure it out on their own, increasing the likelihood sharps will end up where they shouldn’t.
Fortunately, Illinois residents have access to clear disposal guidance and a wide range of convenient disposal options through MyOldMeds.com, which is overseen by my organization, the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group. The site offers a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects people to 75 safe sharps disposal sites across the state. Many of these locations are places people already visit regularly, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and medical clinics, making proper sharps disposal a practical part of everyday life.
When sharps are discarded improperly, the consequences can extend well beyond a single household. Needles placed loosely in trash bags, recycling bins or public spaces can create unnecessary hazards for sanitation workers who handle waste every day, and for children and pets who may accidentally come into contact with them. Safe disposal is not simply a matter of convenience; it is an important part of protecting communities and supporting public health.
I encourage Illinois residents to visit MyOldMeds.com to learn more about proper sharps disposal and share these resources with their family members and friends. Together, we can make safe sharps disposal a routine part of responsible healthcare and community safety.
Irina Butler, executive director, Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group
Nexstar-Tegna merger will protect local news
Local journalism is more than a business — it is one of the most important institutions our communities depend on.
As someone who has dedicated his career to advocating for children, families and individuals with disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand how important trusted local journalism is to strong communities. Whether it’s coverage of school board meetings, community programs or public safety updates, local broadcasters provide a public service that no algorithm can replace.
Local news helps families stay informed about the decisions that shape their daily lives. It shines a light on organizations serving our communities, connects people with vital resources and holds leaders accountable. For many nonprofits, it is also one of the most effective ways to reach volunteers, donors and families in need. Just as importantly, it gives a voice to organizations and individuals who might otherwise go unheard.
Today, however, local broadcasters are under tremendous pressure. As advertising dollars and audience attention continue to shift to global technology and streaming platforms, local news organizations face growing challenges in sustaining the journalism our communities rely on. Companies like Google, Meta, Amazon and Netflix command enormous audiences and advertising revenue, but they don’t attend school board meetings, report on neighborhood issues or tell the stories of the people and organizations working every day to strengthen our communities.
That is why I support the proposed combination of Nexstar Media Group and Tegna. If local broadcasters are going to continue investing in strong local newsrooms and serving communities like ours, they need the scale and resources to compete in today’s media landscape. The proposed merger represents a practical way to strengthen local journalism, invest in modern infrastructure and help ensure local stations can continue to provide the trusted reporting our communities depend on.
The future of local journalism should matter to all of us — not because of any one company, but because informed communities are stronger communities. Preserving local news means preserving accountability, civic engagement and a trusted source of information families rely on every day. For Chicago and communities across Illinois, supporting local broadcasters is ultimately an investment in the strength, safety and connectedness of the places we call home.
Dan Vosnos, Glenview
Appreciating free-speech rights
I recently read Alma Campos, Anna Savchenko and Keenan Chen’s fine article in the Sun-Times on the fate of dissidents to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. They are sometimes threatened for views contrary to those of Vladimir Putin, and finding refuge in our own country is becoming increasingly difficult. We need to be more appreciative of our right to free speech and should not take it for granted.
Thomas Dupre, Romeoville
Amazing Aragon memories
When I was a young college student in the late 1950s, I had a job at the parking lot adjacent to the Aragon Ballroom, which is celebrating 100 years. It was in the pre-concert days. What I remember most is the joy and cheerfulness of the singles and couples who came for a night of dancing and entertainment. The men wore suits and ties, and the ladies wore dresses. You could see that they had optimistic anticipation of what the evening might bring. The Aragon was the place.
Philip S. Witt, Northbrook