MORE FUNDING FOR NEEDLES

Annual funding for community-based HIV/AIDS services in the Powell River
area will increase by $22,568, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Gordon
Wilson announced last week.

The money will go to the Coast Garibaldi Community Health Services Society
to increase needle-exchange services. More than 40 community-based HIV/AIDS
groups have received funding from the ministry of health.

"This added funding reflects the growing need for needle-exchange services
on the Sunshine Coast," said Wilson. "The society has identified a need to
open its doors on more days and buy extra equipment."

The higher level of service will also allow the Powell River needle
exchange to expand its hours and to establish a satellite program on Texada
Island.

"Local organizations continue to do an excellent job of meeting our
communities' needs," said Wilson. "Now with stable, annual funding, they
can work in partnership with the Powell River health authority to plan and
deliver even more effective services for the people of the Sunshine Coast."

All HIV/AIDS funding will be transferred from the ministry to health
authorities later this year, in keeping with commitments made when BC's
Framework for Action on HIV/AIDS was released last December. Contracts with
agencies have been extended six months beyond the regular 12-month period
to March 31, 2001.