Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2001 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd Contact: http://www.haltonsearch.com/index.html?category=1K6H7KB93 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503 Author: Richard Vivian NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM IS LIKELY TO BE PERMANENT The Halton Region Needle Exchange Program is set to move beyond the pilot project stage. The Region's health and social services committee members passed a motion last Tuesday that will see the program -- named Exchange Works -- become a permanent health department program subject to the approval of the 2002 operating budget. The annual Exchange Works budget is estimated at $81,000. Regional council is expected to formally address the matter tomorrow. "Based on the information we have right now, we feel the program needs to continue," Halton's Medical Health Officer Dr. Bob Nosal told the committee. "So much of this depends on the contacts and networking that takes place and that's what has been the focus so far." Exchange Works began operation in May, developing partnerships with service agencies, creating educational material for injection drug users and conducting outreach work. Needle exchanges have also been organized at the Sexual Health Clinics in Milton, Burlington, Acton and Georgetown, though to date, none have been used. "It's very slow gaining the trust of users because of the illegal nature of injection drug use," explained Denise Mousseau, Hamilton community outreach worker and representative on the Halton Needle Exchange Advisory Committee. "The key to outreach is that it's client driven." The mobile exchange service has seen substantially more success, said Halton outreach worker Cecil McDougall. To date, 78 individuals have used the needle exchange. "We've made a conscious effort here in Halton to ensure we also include those who inject steroids. The concern being that young people might be exposed to the sharing of needles," Mr. McDougall said. While the program received the support of the committee, a pair of councillors expressed disappointment in the need to spend taxpayer dollars for a needle exchange. "I'm going to support it, but I have to tell you I definitely have difficulty with it," said Oakville Councillor Jack Dennison. Added Milton Councillor Richard Malboeuf, "You're not alone." - --- MAP posted-by: Rebel