NEEDLE EXCHANGE WAS TO BE COMBINED WITH TREATMENT

Re: Drug addiction is Problem One, Issues & Ideas, Feb. 15

I would like to endorse Dr. Douglas Coleman's position that we must
deal with addiction as a priority. There is no question in my mind
that we are long overdue to properly treat addiction and mental health
issues.

However, I wish to correct one fact. The original Vancouver needle
exchange, run by the Downtown Eastside Youth Activities Society under
John Turvey, did operate as an exchange, not a distribution centre. I
managed that program and we were successful in recovering more than
100 per cent for eight years straight. It is notable that more than 95
per cent of those needles came in as direct exchange.

The society firmly promoted needle exchange as part of a full
continuum of services for drug users and advocated loudly and
repeatedly for the establishment of proper housing and treatment services.

The society's needle exchange was established in 1988, with the
understanding we would be part of a larger investment in addiction
treatment services. We should all be ashamed at how badly the
situation has worsened since that time.

Judy McGuire,

Vancouver