DRUG USERS SUPPORT GROUP HANDS OUT FREE CRACK PIPES

VANCOUVER - A support group for drug users has distributed hundreds of
free crack pipes in an initiative they say will help slow the spread
of disease among drug users.

The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users handed out 500 crack kits on
Friday and organizers plan to hand out hundreds more in the coming
days, said network president Rob Morgan on Sunday.

"In the same way as handing out needles, these kits advance harm
reduction and prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C," said Morgan,
a self-described crack cocaine addict.

Each kit contains a glass pipe, mouth pieces, condoms, alcohol swaps,
matches, and smoking instructions.

The Rock Users Group -- a branch of VANDU -- spearheaded the project
and has been lobbying for a crack smoking room to be included in the
city's controversial safe injection site, the first of its kind in
North America.

The money to buy the kits came from private organizations and street
donations. Morgan said users are being asked for a minimum of a dollar
donation for the kits. "But we're not going to turn people away."