CITY SITTING ON CRACK KIT PROJECT

Nanaimo isn't prepared to endorse a health authority crack kit
distribution program without further evidence about its effectiveness.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority is discussing the program with
Victoria council after the city approached VIHA about the program
earlier this year.

Nanaimo isn't engaged in talks about distributing crack kits and
hasn't yet asked for meetings.

Suzanne Germain, VIHA spokeswoman, said VIHA was approached by
Victoria's mayor, but the health authority isn't actively seeking out
municipalities. If Victoria goes ahead, it will be the first
municipality on the Island to accept the program.

Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said he didn't know if Victoria accepting
the program would create a domino effect or create more pressure for
other municipalities to accept the program. "I personally am not
comfortable with it," said Ruttan.

In 2007, the pilot project in Nanaimo sparked public outrage and
concern because neither council nor residents were consulted. VIHA
eventually stopped the distribution of crack kits because of public pressure.

"We were asked by a number of people in neighbourhoods who don't want
vehicles driving by their streets handing out drug paraphernalia and
I can't say I blame them," said Coun. Merv Unger, a Safer Nanaimo
representative.

Germain said after the Nanaimo backlash, VIHA decided to consult
municipalities before proceeding.

"Nanaimo was a lesson," she said.

However, VIHA has the authority to implement the project without
consent. But Germain said that is not a road VIHA wants to go down.

"Ultimately our goal is to get a buy-in and support from communities.
Ideally we would like to get everyone on side," she said.

Ruttan said he doesn't know how city council feels about the program,
because it hasn't been discussed yet.

"I think if they [VIHA] are going to sell it effectively in Nanaimo,
more information has to be made to council and the public. But we're
not dismissing anything out of hand," he said.

Ruttan said he would like to see Safer Nanaimo representatives review
the information before anything goes to council.

Unger said he sees more value in programs that build affordable
housing, getting people looked after and off the streets.

"I don't think everyone is totally convinced hanging out drug
paraphernalia on the street is something that solves all your
problems," he said.

Unger said he wants to see more evidence that the program is beneficial.

Crack kits can include push pipes, mouthpieces and screens.

VIHA reports about 70 per cent of drug users smoke crack cocaine, and
the majority share crack pipes and sustain burns that leads to a
higher risk of abscesses and the transmission of Hepatitis C or HIV.

Germain said harm reduction strategies save the health system money
because a single case of Hepatitis C can cost about $125,000 to
$250,000 in health care.