DRUG PROGRAM FEARS LOSS OF GRANT

Organizers of the Cactus needle exchange and methadone program for
intravenous drug users say that unless the Ville Marie borough stops
blocking their plans to establish a new drop-in centre, they may lose
a $1-million federal grant.

The grant to Cactus has already been approved. Cactus had planned to
buy land at Ste. Catherine and Sanguinet Sts. until the borough said
no.

Cactus has the backing of such groups as Medecins du Monde and the
CLSC des Faubourgs. Cactus is accusing politicians of intruding in the
health sector where they have no expertise.