NEEDLING, BUT NECESSARY: DEALING WITH A DRUG PROBLEM

It's an issue that really irks critics of publicly funded needle
exchange programs: why should taxpayers "enable" drug users?

A valid question, to which there's a persuasive answer:
"Harm-reduction" programs like this are preferable to the alternative
of addicts reusing contaminated needles and spreading deadly
bloodborne diseases like HIV that endanger the entire community.

Still, it's not just strident talk radio hosts who've raised an
eyebrow or two over the fact the government of Saskatchewan
distributes around four million needles a year to addicts at a cost of
$1.4 million. Rookie Saskatchewan Party Health Minister Don McMorris,
noting public concern about whether such programs were effective and
complaints about the dumping of used needles in public places, ordered
a review of the needle exchange program last year to see if it was
meeting its objectives and was "accountable".

That independent review is just out and the answer on both counts is
"yes", though as McMorris says, the needle return rate of 90 per cent
can be improved. To that end, the number of drop boxes for addicts to
dispose of their used needles will be increased. And communities will
get help on a "targeted clean-up blitz" during spring thaw to safely
collect needles dumped in public places over the winter. (The needle
exchange isn't the only source of supply for addicts; they can also
buy insulin needles of the kind used by diabetics from grocery and
drug stores).

The report found Saskatchewan's injection drug problem is
significant:

- - There are 5,000 injection drug users in the province, most using
powdered cocaine and morphine.

- - The average user goes through 1,000 or more needles a year and for
short periods can use 20 or more needles a day. (Alberta and Manitoba
distribute fewer needles -- their problem is crack cocaine, which is
usually smoked.)

- - Poverty, childhood sexual abuse, poor education, unemployment and
racism are often factors in injection drug addiction.

- - Treatment success rates are low.

The report says that by reducing HIV transmission, needle exchange
programs save $4,000 in health costs for every $1,000 spent -- that
amounts to about $4 million saved a year in this province.

While HIV rates have been lower in Saskatchewan than the rest of the
country, they are rising. Some might be uncomfortable with the use of
the needle exchange, but it seems a prudent investment in public safety.