Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jul 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/n834/a06.html
Author: Miki Hansen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

NEEDLE EXCHANGE HELPS COMMUNITY

Re: "Needle exchange offers false hope," July 12.

Needle exchanges are one part of a continuum of services needed to 
help people living with addictions to improve their lives. This 
continuum also includes primary health services, drug and alcohol 
counselling and rehabilitation facilities.

Everyone needs to start somewhere. Victoria's needle exchange offers 
a way to reduce the spread of hepatitis C and HIV, and to save lives 
as a result; it also offers a place for people to ask for help and to 
take their first steps toward recovery.

AVI continues to seek the necessary financial commitments from 
government in order to provide a comprehensive, multidiscipline range 
of services at the Victoria Needle Exchange. This would provide 
individuals with more treatment and support options.

I remain convinced that the public will lend their undivided support 
for these services if they are given the opportunity to see the 
positive changes they can make in our community.

Miki Hansen,

executive director, AIDS Vancouver Island. 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman