The Colorado Health Network (CHN) in Grand Junction has collected more than 40,000 used sharps through its “Fill It Forward” program since launching at the start of 2026. The initiative, operating out of CHN’s Grand Junction office at 1001 Wellington Ave., aims to provide local residents with free, safe disposal options for syringes and other medical apparatuses, a gap identified as a primary driver of improper disposal, especially in rural areas.
Studies estimate that between 50% and 95% of the approximately 7.5 billion syringes used at home annually nationwide are improperly disposed of. This widespread issue is fueled by the growing use of injectable medicines for weight loss and various chronic conditions.
The “Fill It Forward” program distributes empty sharps containers for free at its 1001 Wellington Ave. location, which is about half a mile east of Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. Stephanie Ruf, Grand Junction Associate Administration Director for CHN, stated that the program stands out by providing new, free syringes and sharps containers after a drop-off. This practice, according to Ruf, ensures safe storage between visits and helps reduce sharps reuse, which carries risks of infection and inefficacy.
Since its launch, the program’s popularity has steadily grown, attracting an average of 20 to 25 new participants each month, Ruf reported. In contrast to national estimates of improper disposal, Ruf highlighted the program’s July metrics, which showed an 84.5% syringe return rate; nearly 11,900 syringes were brought in for disposal after 14,000 were distributed. Ruf noted that “the demand is real and the community is ready,” suggesting that when residents have easy, judgment-free access to proper tools, they use them.
Before the “Fill It Forward” program, the Mesa County Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 3071 US-50, had long been the area’s only free avenue for sharps disposal, as reported in 2024. Beyond the direct impact of proper sharps disposal, CHN CEO Darrell Vigil said the program introduces community members to the disease reduction framework and its importance. Vigil stated that “Fill It Forward is about creating safer communities through practical, compassionate solutions.” He added that by partnering with community organizations, they are enhancing public safety and connecting individuals with crucial prevention resources.
Ruf also confirmed that proper sharps disposal directly impacts the prevention of infectious diseases like HIV. She added that the Colorado Health Network provides education and resources concerning various other common but preventable infectious diseases, especially sexually transmitted infections. These broader initiatives from CHN include free walk-in STI testing, comprehensive case management for individuals with HIV, and educational “sex trivia” nights designed to teach about sexual health and destigmatize the subject.
Ruf confirmed that the organization is actively working to preserve, and potentially expand, the “Fill It Forward” program, as its initial six-month pilot funding has recently expired.
