NEEDLE EXCHANGE REVIEW POSITIVE

Gov't Considers Ways To Improve Needle Return Rate

Saskatchewan's needle exchange programs help reduce the spread of
blood-borne diseases, but there's room for improvement in areas such
as needle disposal, says Health Minister Don McMorris.

McMorris, speaking after Tuesday's release of a 100-page review of
the programs, said even the 90 per cent return rate on needles
distributed by the needle exchanges could be bettered.

"If we're handing out needles we'd like a higher return rate and
there are things that we can do in that area," McMorris said,
pointing to the possibility of more disposal sites.

But the report also notes all discarded needles aren't necessarily
from the exchange programs offered in seven health regions, as
needles can be readily purchased.

The government said it ordered the review last summer following
concerns from the public about the effectiveness of needle exchanges
and complaints about the number of needles littering the ground
during the spring thaw.

As far as reducing major health concerns such as HIV, the review
confirmed the programs are "going in the right direction," McMorris said.

The report estimates needle exchange programs reduce the transmission
of HIV by one-third, for an estimated annual savings in health-care
costs in Saskatchewan of $4 million.

McMorris said a committee has been struck to look at "next steps" for
the needle exchanges, such as improving public education and
furthering plans for needle cleanup and disposal.

The committee will also look at the use of registries to better track
the distribution of needles.

Dr. Moira McKinnon, chief medical health officer, said registries are
already in use in some locations, allowing workers access to
important information such as an individual's immunization history or
whether that person wants counselling. For most injection drug users,
the needle exchange is likely their "only entry into health
services," McKinnon said.

"It's also often the first step for them for rehab. Even though the
needle exchange program doesn't provide rehabilitation, it does
provide counselling, harm reduction, that enables them to consider
that next step."

Of the nearly 3.9 million needles distributed last fiscal year, about
3.5 million were returned for exchanges.

The Regina-Qu'Appelle health region distributed two million, with
about 1.9 million returned for a return rate of 94 per cent.

Saskatoon distributed half as many needles as Regina, but it's
estimated the number of needles provided only covers about 60 per
cent of injections.

Saskatchewan, which has an estimated 5,000 injection drug users,
distributes more needles compared to other provinces because the
prevalent injection drugs are powdered cocaine and morphine, which
require frequent injections, the report said.