DRUG USER'S OVERDOSE DEATH CASTS PALL OVER FILM SCREENING

The Saskatoon screening of a documentary about drugs and addiction in
Vancouver's downtown eastside was brought close to home by the overdose
death of a Saskatoon drug user.

Paul Morin died Friday of an overdose, explained Emmanuelle Morin, the
executive co-ordinator of AIDS Saskatoon, who is not related to Paul. The
first screening of Fix: The Story of an Addicted City on Friday was
dedicated to him.

"He was a wonderful man and we're extremely saddened to see him gone," said
Morin, who stressed that Paul's death was one of many drug-related deaths
in Saskatoon over the years.

Further details about Morin's death weren't available.

Morin was prominent in an informal user support group organized through
AIDS Saskatoon.

That's an example of the type of drug strategy the film and its supporters
advocate -- empowering and organizing drug users to have a voice in
creating solutions to drug problems.

Paul had been scheduled to be part of public discussions which follow
screenings.

To address drug addiction, the very people often considered the problem
should be included in discussions, say supporters of the film, which was
produced and directed by Nettie Wild.

"You've got to have users at the table," said Dean Wilson, an addict
featured in the documentary.

"The solution's in rooms like this where everybody gets together," he said
during a community forum following the Saturday matinee screening.

Morin said it's crucial to ensure that users are supported and made aware
that they can advocate for themselves.

According to Morin, education about the extent of the drug problem, which
many said exists throughout Saskatoon, is important.

"We're not Vancouver, but we could be if we don't start addressing this,"
she said.

Dr. Brian Fern, who runs a Saskatoon methadone program, was also involved
in the discussion.

He has about 600 clients in the program, which is an alternative to illegal
drug use.

He said safe injection sites, needle exchanges, methadone programs, and
counselling are all important to treating drug users.

"We don't provide all the services as yet. But we're getting there," he said.

Fern said 30 years ago, people were asking whether schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder should be treated as illnesses. That same question is now
being asked about drug use.

Fern recently had to move from his clinic on Eighth Street where he
operated his methadone program. For the last three months, he has run the
program out of his home, and in three weeks, he will open a new clinic
across the street from his former one, he said.

Saskatoon Health Region's Street Health program and van service has more
than 600 clients receiving needle exchanges and counselling, nurses explained.

About 100 people attended the forum after the film's screening at the
Broadway Theatre.