CRACK KITS HIT B.C.'S STREETS

VANCOUVER -- A support group for drug users began distributing hundreds of
free crack pipes over the weekend in an initiative they say will slow the
spread of disease among drug users. Over 500 crack kits were handed out
Friday and the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users plans to hand out
hundreds more in the coming days, said network president Rob Morgan. The
group wants public funding to maintain the program.

"In the same way as handing out needles, these kits advance harm reduction
and prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C," said Morgan, a
self-described crack cocaine addict.

Each kit contains a glass pipe, mouthpieces, condoms, alcohol swabs,
matches, and smoking instructions. Money to buy the kits came from private
organizations and street donations. Morgan said drug users are asked to
donate at least $1 for the kits. "But we're not going to turn people away,"
he said.

Health officials are also being lobbied to create a crack smoking room in
the city's controversial safe injection site, the first of its kind in North
America.