CONSULTATION NEEDED AFTER NEEDLE LIMITATION ANNOUNCEMENT: FIVE HILLS
CEO

The CEO of the health region which includes Moose Jaw said
consultation will be needed after it was announced this week that the
number of needles handed out by the province's exchange programs will
be limited.

In Wednesday's throne speech, Premier Brad Wall said capping how many
needles can be handed over at one time means addicts will have to
visit health workers more often, creating more opportunities to seek
treatment.

"At this time, we do not have enough information to comment on the
impact (of the announcement on Moose Jaw's needle exchange program).
There will be lots of consultation throughout the region," said Cheryl
Craig, CEO of the Five Hills Health Region.

" We would agree that our goal is to reduce drug use and break the
cycle of addiction to ensure the safety of all. The ultimate goal is
one we agree with and we would like to be part of the consultations
with the ministry."

Wall also said Thursday consultation will be needed with various
groups before the exact limit on needles will be determined.

Moose Jaw's needle exchange unit is based at the corner of First
Avenue Northwest and Ominica Street.

Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson said province-wide, more needles
per capita are given out than anywhere else in Canada.

"It tells us we have serious problems that need to be looked at," said
Michelson.

Michelson said the idea of the limitation was for drug users to have
more contact with health workers.

"By doing so it will perhaps encourage them to get into a program that
will take them off the dependance of drugs."

Michelson said that although the return on needles was about 90 per
cent in the province, there was still many found in alleyways or
playgrounds.

" We have to look at this and how we can re-examine this project to
make it work better," said Michelson.