KENORA PROMOTES CLEAN NEEDLES

KENORA -- Plans for a needle exchange program are under way in this
northwestern Ontario town.

The program will provide a source of clean needles and information to
people doing injectable drugs in the area.

"The goal is to reduce the harm and to help people with healthier
lives," said Rai Therrien, a public health nurse.

The availability of clean needles is expected to reduce the spread of
blood illnesses like Hepatitis and HIV.

Two sites are planned for the city. One in the Kenora Northwestern
Health Unit, and another, which is expected to be selected by the end
of August.

The pilot program will last three years, Therrien said.

The Northwestern Health Unit and its partners have already introduced
needle exchange programs in Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances.