VIHA WON'T MEET WITH RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT NEEDLE EXCHANGE

North Park residents are feeling the sting of rejection after the
Vancouver Island Health Authority nixed their request to speak to the
board about concerns regarding the Cormorant Avenue needle exchange.

"We just want them to hear what the impact on the community is," said
Kristin Atwood, association president. She wanted to attend the
August VIHA board meeting along with Victoria city coun. Dean Fortin.
Fortin, who serves as a liaison with the neighbourhood, said more
funding has to be given to AIDS Vancouver Island for service that
won't hurt the neighbourhood. Instead the health authority seems to
be moving away from the support services that go with the needle
exchange; both the preventative services and the consequences of
needle use, he said.

The neighbourhood wants funding to cover better security, more staff,
street cleaning and a facility large enough that clients don't have
to loiter on the street. AIDS Vancouver Island is asking for $585,000
from VIHA -- more than double its current budget.

A VIHA spokesman said the request to speak at the board was turned
down because the board had heard a similar presentation in May from
Rev. Al Tysick. "There was no new information that could be shared
with the board," said Janet Shute, board liaison.