Pubdate: Thu, 26 Mar 2009
Source: Journal-Pioneer, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2009 Journal-Pioneer
Contact: http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?pid=4444
Website: http://www.journalpioneer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2789
Author: Nancy MacPhee
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM SET TO CHANGE HANDS

The Province's decision to start its own needle exchange program, 
rather than fund one operated by AIDS P.E.I., deeply concerns Mark Hanlon.

The AIDS P.E.I. executive director fears injection drug users that 
rely now on the "harm reduction" program for sterile syringes will be 
intimidated, even fearful of using a government-run service.

"They trust us but they may not trust the government," said Hanlon. 
"Now what happens with those people? Is the government honestly 
prepared to handle an influx of people with HIV or hepatitis C?

On April 1, after five years, AIDS P.E.I. closes the door on its exchange.

The organization had asked the Province for $40,000 to defray program 
costs and to hire a full-time administrator. Late last week its 
request was denied.

The Health department now is getting ready to set up its needle 
exchange and a second, part-time service in Prince County.

"I think they're being a little too optimistic to think that clients 
are automatically going to want to be part of a provincially run 
needle exchange," said Hanlon. "I think it's a pipe dream, personally."

And it's a program that'll be run with no new government money.

"We are having to absorb it into our system," said deputy chief 
health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet.

Just how it will operate and its location are being worked out.

One thing Sweet did assure, is that a government-run exchange would 
operate five days a week and provide anonymity to its users, no 
questions asked.

"Everybody is going to do the best they can to keep a good program 
going," he said.

Hanlon hopes the Province, with less than a week to get a program up 
and running, won't let injection drug users go without sterile 
needles for long.

Every day that passes without the exchange increases users' chances 
of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

"Is the government prepared to handle this? I'm not sure the answer 
is yes, to be quite honest," he added.  "There are a number of issues 
there that I really hope the government takes on. If not, I really, 
really do feel bad for the injection drug users in this province who 
will get other things besides addictions."

Sweet guaranteed the service would be up and running April 1.

Until then, AIDS P.E.I. will continue to hand out syringe sets and 
aid in the program's transition.

And the organization plans to keep a close eye on the government 
program in the weeks and months ahead.

"Five years ago, when the needle exchange got going, we were the only 
organization that wanted it because it was consistent with our 
mission," Hanlon added. "We'll make sure we remain a voice for these people." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake