NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS NECESSARY

Editor:

Re: RCMP raid needle site (Feb. 23 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette)

Needle exchange programs are part of a comprehensive harm reduction
approach to minimizing harms associated with drug use.

There is scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of
syringe exchange and outreach programs. Needle programs are a first
point of contact to health and social services for people who live in
the margins of society as a result of stigma related to use of illicit drugs.

These programs alter harmful conditions surrounding drug use, such as
reducing sharing of equipment, unequal access to health services,
social discrimination, exposure to street and relationship violence,
inadequate housing, lack of employment and poor physical or mental health.

ANKORS (AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) has
responded to the needs of people regarding HIV/AIDS and hepatitis since 1992.

The needle exchange program began in 1998 following consultations
with citizens and agencies including public health, mental health,
addiction services, RCMP and others throughout the Kootenay/Boundary.
Local services are minimal due to financial constraints and the
absence of an agency willing to provide fixed-site services.

To increase access, ANKORS and other organizations train and support
people who are concerned about the spread of infection and are
willing to offer secondary exchange. Historically, these citizens are
referred to as Natural Helpers.

"Informal" needle exchanges are a vital part of harm reduction
programs. It's obvious from supplies found at the home in Grand Forks
that those living there were working to keep people safe from the
transmission of blood-borne infections.

Some have referred to items found, such as clean syringes, saline
solution, alcohol swabs etc., as "offence-related property" - this is
misleading.

Harm reduction supplies are provided by the BC Centre for Disease
Control and are not illegal. Decrease in rates of HIV and hepatitis
in recent years are largely due to Needle Exchange services.

It's easy to scapegoat people who use drugs and to sensationalize
drug activity. Sometimes it's difficult for communities to realize
that those who use drugs may also be making a positive contribution
by assisting others to be safe.

Alex Sherstobitoff, ANKORS