ADVOCATES PUSH FOR NEEDLE SITE

As the second anniversary of the needle exchange site's eviction
approaches, advocates of the service renewed their cries for a new
fixed location at a low-key rally yesterday.

"We want to hold them [Victoria councillors] to their promise to make
harm reduction a priority," said Heather Hobbs of Harm Reduction
Victoria, who helped organize what she called a townhall meeting for
drug users. She said the City has talked to experts and hosted panel
discussions but has yet to take any action.

Supporters will hold a rally at City Hall on April 15, said Hobbs,
standing on the grassy median in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.

The needle exchange on Cormorant Street was shut down in May 2008
after complaints were made of discarded needles, refuse and excrement.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority now operates a mobile needle
exchange, handing out clean needles and collecting used ones.