NEEDLES DEALT WITH QUICKLY

Two weeks ago, used needles were found in a playground in Campbell
River, prompting health and safety concerns in that community.

But the waste product of drug abuse, discarded used needles, are a
health risk that appears to be under control on the North Island.

"Given the amount of drug use up here I'm amazed I'm not seeing a lot
more needles around town," says Neil Taylor, manager of Mental Health
and Addictions for the North Island.

While police confirm they have had few reports of used needles being
left in public areas, it does happen.

In February, a bag was left by a dumpster in Port Hardy. The birds
had torn the bag apart and used needles were strewn about. Taylor
cleaned them up himself.

"It's a health risk for sure," says Taylor, noting his staff is
prepared to deal with needles. "But I haven't been seeing 'sharps'
too much around town."

That is likely due in part to two successful needle exchange programs
on the North Island.

The first is AIDS Vancouver Island, run locally by harm reduction
worker Andrea Walters, who travels from Port Hardy to Sayward.

"I get in my vehicle and I go to people. I give out sharps containers
and rigs (needles)," explains Walters. "They return them to me and I
dispose of the sharps containers at the hospital."

She also distributes literature and educational material.

The program is "very well used," says Walters of the confidential service.

A grandmother, Walters also checks the playgrounds and beaches
regularly for 'sharps' and says she doesn't find them very often. Dan
Webb heads the other needle exchange program, similar to Walters,
located in Port Hardy.

Both programs are overseen by the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Both Walters and Webb can be reached by phone to arrange needle
exchange. Webb's number is 949-2238, Walters' is 949-0432. Call the
Mental Health and Addictions office at 949-8611, or the RCMP, if you
find needles that need to be disposed of safely.