New community health program brings no-cost sharps disposal containers and prevention education to Grand Junction  

Colorado Health Network (CHN) is proud to announce the launch of Fill It Forward, a community initiative focused on expanding access to safe sharps disposal and prevention education. The program addresses a critical public health need by ensuring individuals who use injectable medications, insulin, or other syringes, lancets, and injectable pens have safe, convenient, and stigma-free options for proper disposal, close to home. 

The program partners with local community members and healthcare providers to provide safe, accessible sharps disposal resources aimed at reducing needle-stick injuries to sanitation workers, first responders, and the public as well as the potential spread of bloodborne illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. The initiative also promotes compassionate, stigma-free community health practices by ensuring individuals have safe disposal options available. As with all CHN programs and services, it meets people where they are, offering practical resources without barriers or judgement. 

How the Program Works 

As part of an initial six-month pilot, CHN is collaborating with pharmacy locations in Grand Junction to distribute sharps disposal containers and prevention materials at no cost to participating sites. Community members can visit participating locations to pick up containers, and return filled containers to CHN for safe disposal, and access harm reduction and prevention resources. So far this program has collected over 38,000 syringes from the community.  

“Fill It Forward is about creating safer communities through practical, compassionate solutions,” said Darrell Vigil, CEO of Colorado Health Network. “By working alongside community partners, we are improving public safety and connecting individuals with important prevention resources.” 

“Fill It Forward is about creating safer communities through practical, compassionate solutions. By working alongside community partners, we are improving public safety and connecting individuals with important prevention resources.” 

Darrell Vigil, CEO of Colorado Health Network

Early outreach efforts have already demonstrated strong demand. Participating Walgreens locations reported high interest in both prevention cards and sharps containers, highlighting the unmet need for accessible disposal options throughout the region. 

Stephanie Ruf, Associate Director of Administration for Colorado Health Network Grand Junction, added: “What we’ve seen in just our early outreach is that the demand is real and the community is ready. When people have easy, judgement-free access to the right tools, they use them. That’s what Fill It Forward is all about.” 

What we’ve seen in just our early outreach is that the demand is real and the community is ready. When people have easy, judgement-free access to the right tools, they use them. That’s what Fill It Forward is all about.

Stephanie Ruf, Associate Director of Administration for Colorado Health Network Grand Junction

In addition to pharmacy partnerships, CHN continues to expand community collaboration efforts through organizations and healthcare providers including Hilltop and Mesa County Public Health strengthening referral pathways and prevention education opportunities across Mesa County. 

A Commitment to Community Health

The Fill It Forward initiative reflects Colorado Health Network’s continued commitment to harm reduction, public health, and community-centered care. By removing barriers to safe disposal, the program not only protects public spaces but also creates meaningful touchpoints for connecting individuals to broader health services and support. 

CHN encourages community members, local businesses, healthcare providers, and organizations to join the effort. Whether through referring clients, or spreading awareness, every partnership strengthens the program’s reach and impact.  

Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting or partnering with Fill It Forward are encouraged to contact Colorado Health Network at 970-243-2437 or Fill it Forward – Grand Junction for additional information.