Pubdate: Sat, 22 Oct 2005
Source: Chronicle-Journal, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Chronicle-Journal
Contact:  http://www.chroniclejournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3155
Author: Carl Clutchey
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

NEEDLES IN DEMAND IN NORTH SHORE TOWNS

The number of injection-drug users taking part in a new Greenstone 
needle-exchange program has left program organizers hopeful that some 
will eventually decide to quit their habit.

"I'm surprised by the level of acceptance by users of the program so 
far," Don Young, manager of Superior Points Harm Reduction Program, 
said Friday.

Since the program started four months ago, about 1,600 needles have 
been exchanged at Superior Points clinics in Geraldton and Longlac.

The program is an extension of the one in Thunder Bay, which for the 
past 10 years has seen the exchange of about 50,000 needles per month.

Like the one in Thunder Bay, the Greenstone Superior Points outlets 
allow injection users to obtain clean needles and dispose of dirty 
ones in a safe receptacle, rather than putting them out in the garbage.

Young said his program was extended to Greenstone after local health 
officials said it was needed during presentations about HIV and 
hepatitis C - both of which are known to be spread through the 
sharing of dirty needles.

"It helps control the spread of blood-borne diseases, but also allows 
(users) a safe place to talk about their addiction," Young said.

Young said the main concern users had about participating in the 
Greenstone program "was that they would be treated like crap."

The level of participation is a credit to clinic staff, Young added.

There are no plans to start a similar exchange in other towns, but 
Young said his program will continue to hold drug information 
sessions east of Thunder Bay.

Studies show that up to two per cent of an urban population contains 
addicts who use needles to inject pain killers, heroin and cocaine 
into their veins.

Injection users come from all walks of life and income levels, Young said.

Young said while some needle-exchange participants may never overcome 
their addiction, he has seen some addicts use the program as a first 
step on the road to quitting.

As users stop using dirty needles, "they become much more 
health-conscious, like taking a regular shower, and the next thing 
you know they're talking to us about how they can start using less 
often," Young said.

So far this year, about 400,000 needles have been exchanged through 
Superior Points' Thunder Bay outlets.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman