Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n450/a05.html
Author: Michael Yoder
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

MOBILE NEEDLE EXCHANGE COULD HELP DOWNTOWN

Re: "Needle exchange proves a tough sell," April 6.

As the former executive director of Victoria AIDS Resource and 
Community Service Society (VARCS), I have a radical suggestion. VARCS 
and the Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users could both offer 
mobile needle exchanges. These services could replace the fixed-site 
exchange and, if properly funded and resourced, could offer clinics 
and connection to other services.

By moving to a mobile model there would be fewer places where large 
numbers of users would gather, such as Cormorant Street.

This by no means would solve substance misuse, but it would alleviate 
some of the issues that are seen downtown. More attention still needs 
to be paid to recovery and detox programs, poverty and mental illness.

Michael Yoder,

Victoria.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman