MORE NEEDLE DROP BOXES INSTALLED DOWNTOWN

People could think of them as highly specialized trash cans, complete
with original art on their sides.

Just over three years since putting out its first two drop boxes for
used needles, the Central Alberta Aids Network Society has installed
eight more units at strategic locations in Red Deer's downtown.

The boxes were built and installed as a public service, giving people
a discreet and convenient option for the safe disposal of used
needles, syringes and diabetic lancets, said Jason Taylor, harm
reduction co-ordinator for CAANS.

Partners in the project include the City of Red Deer, the Red Deer
RCMP and the Red Deer Downtown Business Associations. Taylor
estimates the cost of building and installing the boxes at about $2,000 each.

The boxes stand about waist high and have a slot in the front,
similar to a letter box. Information about safe disposal of needles
is posted on their fronts.

Some people have raised objections to the program, believing the
boxes attract drug users and crime. Taylor counters that the boxes
are placed in areas where drugs and crime already exist, to provide a
safe method for getting rid of needles and other drug paraphernalia.

One of the first boxes was placed in a site at Galbraith Park that
was originally considered but rejected, said Taylor.

Its location was shifted as a result of a complaint because it was
viewed as an eyesore, he said.

But it's a mistake to believe that the boxes are there for drug users
only, although there has been a steady increase in drug use as the
city grows, he said.

Diabetics and steroid users are also using the boxes. During its
first three years of collection, CAANS picked up 5,740 needles. That
includes 2,290 diabetic lancets. Other items collected from the boxes
include vials and various pieces of drug paraphernalia.

At the same time, intravenous drug users have proven willing to use
the boxes if they are available, rather than tossing their needles
into the garbage or leaving them lying on the street, said Taylor.

Collection and disposal of the materials is contracted to a company
that specializes in collection and incineration of biohazards, he said.

Artist Paul Boultbee said he was pleased with the opportunity to
create original works for the eight new boxes.

"It started with me coming to them for another project I was working
on. They were doing these boxes and they wanted to have art on them."

Boultbee's paintings were digitized and then the colours were shifted
slightly to complement the colour on the boxes, which are painted
brown to match the city parks format.

While graffiti has not been a big problem on the first two boxes,
Taylor anticipates that Boultbee's art may deter tagging on the new boxes.

The paintings are applied in a vinyl format that can be easily wiped
clean if they are tagged, said Jennifer Vanderschaeghe, executive
director for CAANS.

Needle drop boxes are now set up at the following locations:

. Loaves and Fishes . Great West Adventure Trail . Snell Gardens .
53rd Street and 46th Avenue . Potter's Hands . Buffalo Hotel .
Barrett Park at Ross Street . Rotary Recreation Park at 48th Street .
CAANS office at 4611 50th Ave. . Rotary Park at Gaetz Avenue Other
agencies offering needle disposal are the Schizophrenia Society and
the Safe Harbour Mat Program. Hilltop Pharmacy and Ross Street IDA
Pharmacy offer needle exchange services.