NEEDLES, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA TO BE OFFERED AT HEALTH CENTRES IN NANAIMO

(CNS) Drug addicts in Nanaimo will soon have sterile needles and
other drug paraphernalia available to them at most front-line health centres.

The initiative is part of the Vancouver Island Health Authority's
strategy to reduce the spread of diseases among drug users by
distributing the supplies from about 60 centres.

About 12 sites in Nanaimo have been short-listed, but final
selections will not be made until June or July.

Widespread distribution takes the focus off a single site, which can
become hangouts for the addicts who regularly use the facilities.
Sites will include public health clinics, outpatient offices and
mental health and addictions offices.