DRUG USERS PROCLAIM YELLOW-BOX NEEDLE PROGRAM A BIG SUCCESS

Calgary drug users have turned the needle drop box program into a success.

"We have had over 1,000 needles deposited in our first month," said Don
Wilson, hazardous material officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

The yellow drop boxes have only one purpose, the disposal of dirty needles
and used condoms.

In November, the program's first month there were 1,074 needles and three
used condoms deposited.

Wilson, the program co-ordinator, added he was very pleased with the
results so far.

"It's 1,000 less needles that children could be playing with in the
playgrounds."

He is also a little shocked. He actually expected to see only 100 or so
needles deposited in the first month.

Some of the 12 deposit boxes have been more popular than others, he added.

In fact, one box has had nothing placed in it so it will be moved. No
decision has been made to relocate the box. The most popular drop box by
far has been the one in front of the 1st Street S.W. fire station.

The drop boxes are part of the Needle Safety project - a joint initiative
of seven city departments and 11 supporting agencies.

The mailboxes were donated by Canada Post and are older models that are
different in size and shape from newer boxes used by the letter carriers.
They are painted a bright yellow rather than red to help people
differentiate between where to place mail and needles.

The boxes have been emptied regularly by the fire department's hazardous
material personnel.

Wilson estimated there are one million needles used by drug users in
Calgary a year.