HEALTH UNIT HAS A SAFE DROP-OFF FOR NEEDLES

Reports of a dirty needle found near J. Alfred Laird School have
spurred a reminder from the Invermere Health Unit.

"We have a free and confidential needle exchange program," said Brenda
Marsman, team leader for the health unit.

The program has been running for about five years. The health unit
will take dirty needles and dispose of them safely, and in return give
the person a new container with clean needles.

"It is my hope that once people are made aware of this service they
will start to use it," said public health nurse Jeff Quinn.

"It makes the community safer and it is a healthier choice for them.
They have clean needles every time so they don't have to re-use dirty
needles."

The confidential service is staffed by nurses trained to be discreet
in their care.

"We are non-judgmental here," Jeff said.

So far, the Invermere needle exchange has not been used, but there are
a couple of reasons for that.

"It's a little bit due to a lack of awareness, but also in a small
town it is tough to make yourself known as a drug user," Jeff said.

The valley is not immune to drug use, and the program is a way to
protect the community from the effects.

"Every community seems to have a pocket of people who are intravenous
drug users," Jeff said.

"We just have to find them and tell them about this service."

The health unit is located at Invermere District Hospital on 10th
Avenue.

It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but closed at
lunchtime.