Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC) Copyright: 2009 Nanaimo Daily News Contact: http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608 Author: Derek Spalding, Staff Writer VIHA ATTEMPTS TO START UP CITY CRACK-PIPE KIT PROGRAM Request Shot Down By Council Because They're Not Yet Ready The Vancouver Island Health Authority gained permission to distribute crack-pipe kits in Victoria last week, but a request for a similar program in Nanaimo was shot down because city staff and politicians are not ready to move ahead with that particular harm-reduction method. VIHA's medical health officer, Dr. Lorna Medd asked members of the city's Safer Nanaimo Working Group to discuss a crack-pipe distribution program in recent weeks, but those members quickly said that council is not prepared to discuss such an initiative just yet. Several factors will continue to delay the contentious program. Councillors do not want health care workers driving around in neighbourhoods handing out the kits, which is what the health authority did in 2007, without consulting the public or the city. Ensuing backlash has hardened the city's stance against a mobile unit. Nearly all councillors want to weigh the costs and benefits of crack-pipe kit distribution before moving ahead and they insist on finding the right site where addicts can pick up the supplies. Harris House has been named as a possible site, if such a program was to start again in Nanaimo, but thorough consultation with neighbouring businesses and residents would be required before any decision is made. "While most of us are uncomfortable with the concept, if it's done under some type of control, I would look at it," said Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan. "I'm somewhat reticent to endorse the program wholeheartedly, but I am open to discussions." Though council has several new members after last year's election, all remember the hoopla several years ago when VIHA handed out crack-pipe kits without consulting the city. As the city's safer working group continues its talks with the health authority, most of the politicians sound reluctant about any similar program. Victoria councillors approved a pilot program and insisted health officials assess community support as they progress. In Nanaimo, even the more left-of-centre politicians recognize the widespread criticism of harm-reduction policies. Coun. Fred Pattje supports the program, "even if it saves just one life." "Handing out paraphernalia in order to assist people who are addicted to crack is not seen as a worthwhile thing, but you know, all those diseases that can be prevented: HIV, hepatitis C, and if we can eliminate that or mitigate that, then I'm willing to accept the not-so-pretty part of the program." The kits include a rubber mouthpiece, a filter, a glass tube and wooden push stick, according to Medd, who is a member of the city's safer working group and regularly talks with social planner John Horn about VIHA's harm reduction policies. Crack smokers routinely get sores, cuts and burns on their lips from makeshift pipes made from cans or glass tubes. Sharing such equipment increases the spread of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. Clean pipes reduce the spread of disease and increases access to addiction services, ultimately reducing the cost to the public health care system, Medd explained. A chronic hepatitis C patient can cost tax payers $100,000 in a lifetime or $10,000 for an average, milder case. HIV infections can cost the system $195,000 in a lifetime, she explained. Though the numbers vary, either way, the cost is high. "For me the evidence hasn't changed," she said. "This is something VIHA wants to do. There's good scientific evidence that distributing crack kits reduces disease among crack users." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr