NEEDLE EXCHANGE HELPED ME - ADDICT

I am a 32-year-old recovering drug addict currently incarcerated at
William Head Institution. I was a client who spent time outside the
Victoria needle exchange until about three years ago.

The exchange does not encourage drug use. Rather it supplies those who
choose to use drugs with clean and safe drug equipment as harm reduction.

I understand the public doesn't like addicts hanging around. This will
not be stopped unless we are willing to spend more money on drug
rehab, social security, housing and other services.

Instead of complaining, people should gather together and find a place
that is close to town but out of the public eye.

Without the needle exchange, many people's lives would be more
endangered than they already are with the spread of hepatitis C, HIV,
infections and the lack of self care. Most of these addicts have
people who love them and can get better; they just don't realize it.

Just before cleaning up, I had caught MRSA, a type of blood poisoning,
and didn't realize it. I was literally days away from death.

I had also contracted cellulitis so bad my arm was twice its normal
size. When I arrived at the exchange, the street nurse saw the
severity of my arm and got me in to see a doctor right away.

She even drove me to the hospital herself and stayed with
me.

Please realize the exchange saves lives and that recovery from
addiction is a long process.

Terry Doucette,

Metchosin