NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM SET TO CHANGE HANDS

The Province's decision to start its own needle exchange program,
rather than fund one operated by AIDS P.E.I., deeply concerns Mark Hanlon.

The AIDS P.E.I. executive director fears injection drug users that
rely now on the "harm reduction" program for sterile syringes will be
intimidated, even fearful of using a government-run service.

"They trust us but they may not trust the government," said Hanlon.
"Now what happens with those people? Is the government honestly
prepared to handle an influx of people with HIV or hepatitis C?

On April 1, after five years, AIDS P.E.I. closes the door on its exchange.

The organization had asked the Province for $40,000 to defray program
costs and to hire a full-time administrator. Late last week its
request was denied.

The Health department now is getting ready to set up its needle
exchange and a second, part-time service in Prince County.

"I think they're being a little too optimistic to think that clients
are automatically going to want to be part of a provincially run
needle exchange," said Hanlon. "I think it's a pipe dream, personally."

And it's a program that'll be run with no new government money.

"We are having to absorb it into our system," said deputy chief
health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet.

Just how it will operate and its location are being worked out.

One thing Sweet did assure, is that a government-run exchange would
operate five days a week and provide anonymity to its users, no
questions asked.

"Everybody is going to do the best they can to keep a good program
going," he said.

Hanlon hopes the Province, with less than a week to get a program up
and running, won't let injection drug users go without sterile
needles for long.

Every day that passes without the exchange increases users' chances
of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

"Is the government prepared to handle this? I'm not sure the answer
is yes, to be quite honest," he added. "There are a number of issues
there that I really hope the government takes on. If not, I really,
really do feel bad for the injection drug users in this province who
will get other things besides addictions."

Sweet guaranteed the service would be up and running April 1.

Until then, AIDS P.E.I. will continue to hand out syringe sets and
aid in the program's transition.

And the organization plans to keep a close eye on the government
program in the weeks and months ahead.

"Five years ago, when the needle exchange got going, we were the only
organization that wanted it because it was consistent with our
mission," Hanlon added. "We'll make sure we remain a voice for these people."