NEEDLE EXCHANGE NEEDS SUPPORT

The Search For A New, Better Home Will Test Our Willingness To Act On
Street Problems

The future of AIDS Vancouver Island's needle exchange will test the
commitment behind the talk about the urgency of tackling the
homelessness, addictions and mental illness that plague Victoria's streets.

The agency has accepted the need to move from its space at the corner
of Cormorant and Blanshard streets. The exchange has become a hub for
hard-core addicts who have overwhelmed the neighbourhood.

Others agree on the need for a new model. When AIDS Vancouver Island
(AVI) announced its plan to seek a new site -- and a new approach --
Victoria police, councillors and the Downtown Business Association
were all on hand to offer support.

Abandoning the service isn't an option and the notion that making
life more difficult for addicts would force them to quit drugs is unrealistic.

Look closely at the people on Cormorant Street; their lives are
already nightmares. Ending the exchange would only bring more illness
and an increased burden on the health-care system.

The approach planned by AVI makes sense. It recognizes that simply
moving the needle exchange would only shift the problems to a new
neighbourhood, a move that would be unfair and no real solution.

What's needed is a larger space, including a courtyard or other
private area where people can congregate -- and smoke -- off the
street. More room and more services would provide a chance to deal
with other health issues and provide counselling to some of the more
than 2,000 clients.

The issues are finding a suitable space and money. AVI says it needs
$110,000 a year in extra operating funds plus moving costs.

The obvious funding source is the Vancouver Island Health Authority,
responsible for AIDS, addictions and mental health services. The
authority would also benefit from reduced costs in other areas, like
emergency rooms.

But VIHA has been looking to cut its contribution to AIDS Vancouver
Island so it can redirect the money to deal with service shortages on
the rest of the Island.

There is a role for fundraising campaigns and corporate and
government financial support in addressing homelessness.

But this is, or should be, a core health service. And while VIHA
faces many spending pressures, the community has indicated that
mental health and addiction services for the street population should
be a high priority.

VIHA says it's in talks with AIDS Vancouver Island on funding for the
improved services. That's fine. It's important to look for the best
value for money.

Ultimately, though, the health authority needs to provide the service
or make it clear that it simply doesn't have enough money to meet
even the most urgent community needs.