Pubdate: Tue, 2 Sep 2008
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Danielle Bell, Daily News

NEEDLES RAISE FEAR OF DISEASE

Toddler Will Soon Undergo Testing After Used Syringe Is Found Amid 
Backyard Toys

Weeks of worry continue for two Nanaimo parents who fear their 
toddler son may have been poked by a dirty needle.

Despite a six-foot-high fence that surrounds their Kennedy Street 
backyard, Hunter Vokins, 3, may have accidentally pricked himself 
with a dirty drug needle while playing outside.

Kevin and Candus Vokins don't know if their son actually picked up 
the needle, but they're not taking any chances after finding it 
earlier this year among Hunter's toys.

"Never in a million years (did I think) I'd have to be checking my 
yard for a dirty needle," said Kevin, who was shocked by the discovery.

"(The needle) might as well have been a dead body. It's not that I 
never thought there was a (drug-related) problem here. (But) now 
you're seeing flat-out junkies all over the place."

A doctor initially told the family to wait six months before testing 
Hunter, due to the incubation period for different diseases.

Kevin has had nightmares about his son -- who will begin bloodwork in 
the next few weeks -- testing positive.

The incident has made him "think a lot more," and he hopes to raise 
awareness among other families.

Though he family has no plans to move, he thoroughly sweeps his 
backyard on a regular basis.

The incident is a sobering reminder of the community's ongoing battle 
with drugs that has worsened in recent years.

Residents fed up with drug activity, nuisance properties and 
prostitution are battling back through a Block Watch program launched 
by longtime Haliburton Street residents Doug and Tanya Hiltz after 
the public drug death of Angel Campbell, 27, found on the street in July.

The Hiltzes encourage property perimeter checks and routinely pick up 
needles while out on patrol.

Another resident who lives near the Vokins family reportedly pricked 
himself with a needle and is also waiting for tests for such 
conditions as HIV and hepatitis. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake