ADDICTS GET SAFER DRUG KITS

Outreach Program Aims to Curb Spread of Disease

SOME hard-core crack cocaine users are now getting drug paraphernalia from
the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority through a program designed to curb
the spread of diseases.

Dr. Margaret Fast, the WRHA's medical officer of health, said yesterday
kits are being handed out by staff of Street Connections, which already
distributes condoms and exchanges needles to prostitutes and drug users as
part of its outreach program.

The kits contain a glass-tube pipe, cleaners, alcohol swabs and matches in
an effort to reduce the harms associated with crack cocaine use -- seen as
the current drug of choice in Winnipeg.

The kits cost the WRHA about $2 apiece.

Since Aug. 16, about half of the 200 kits assembled have been distributed,
in hopes of reducing the number of addicts with sores and burns on their
lips and throat -- conditions that may lead to the spread of hepatitis and
also HIV.

"I think this is a very good use of public health -- it's a harm-reduction
service," said Fast. "We're not helping (addicts) have more, we're helping
them to be safer when they use. "People who use crack are already doing it
and they are often using very poor equipment, so we want them to be safe
when they undertake this activity."

Fast said staff do an assessment of clients and try to make a positive
connection before kits are handed out.

Staff then also have a chance to talk to users about undergo treatment.

"It's all very controlled," she said. "We work with our clientele on a
one-on-one basis. We won't go (to known crack houses) and hand them out."

A spokeswoman with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba said the
organization supports the WRHA initiative.

"The objective is to keep those folks as safe as they can, while building a
relationship with them," said Laura Goosen, director of the Winnipeg
region. "Hopefully, those users will move toward a point when they are
ready to make changes in their life." About 10 kits are distributed each
night to inner-city drug users.

Winnipeg police were informed of the program, but did not offer any
concerns, the WRHA reports.

The glass-tube pipe is much safer and easier to clean than the metal
version used and often shared on the streets, Fast said.

"The kit has a long life expectancy," Fast said. "But the plan is to make
up more kits if we need them."

The kits also contain lip balm to prevent users' lips from cracking, and
also chewing gum to prevent teeth from grinding.

The WRHA is planning a survey of users to gauge the success of the program,
which was requested by users as an equivalent program to one in Toronto.

Goossen dismissed suggestions the kits will promote drug use.

"Some say this is enabling addicts, but our experience tells us they're
using regardless," she said. "So, why not try to keep them as safe as
possible and build a relationship with them until they're ready to maybe
use some of the services available?"