POSSIBLE NEEDLE EXCHANGE SITE IDENTIFIED LONG AGO

Re: 'Government must fix dysfunction at VIHA' (Daily News, Dec. 11)

This letter is in response to the editorial regarding the proposed move of
the Nanaimo Needle Exchange. This piece was inaccurate on a number of
points, and so requires clarification.

The current needle exchange is funded by VIHA and operated by NARSF, a
non-profit service provider. The service currently operates from 60 Cavan
St., however in July 2008, the owner terminated the lease as of Dec. 31,
2008.

Since notice was given, NARSF and VIHA have been looking at a variety of
sites, and have met with some resistance and challenges, as they have gone
about this difficult task.

A potential site (375 Franklyn St.) was identified Sept. 23, 2008. A
meeting between NARSF, VIHA and city planners regarding appropriateness
and zoning issues took place on Oct. 30. Zoning appropriateness was
confirmed and Dr. Richard Stanwick, VIHA's chief medical health officer
contacted the then Nanaimo mayor's office on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 leaving a
detailed request for engagement. These calls were not returned.
Negotiations for the lease of the property were finalized by NARSF on Nov.
27, and community consultation began the next day. Since then, further
meetings and discussions have taken place between Dr. Stanwick and the
city regarding this matter.

Needle exchanges are a key part of a necessary "harm reduction" strategy,
and they operate successfully in many jurisdictions when appropriate codes
of conduct for clients, good neighbour agreements, and co-location with
related health services are put into place.

VIHA welcomes increased interest in this very difficult issue, as drug use
and the associated societal and health care challenges cannot be resolved
by VIHA alone

This is a very challenging issue that requires strong local political
leadership.

I look forward to working with the newly-elected mayor to build a lasting
solution to harm reduction in this community. We are attempting to bring
all the parties together for a solutions-focused discussion as quickly as
possible, hopefully before Christmas.

Howard Waldner
President & Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver Island Health Authority