NEEDLE EXCHANGE HELPS COMMUNITY

Re: "Needle exchange offers false hope," July 12.

Needle exchanges are one part of a continuum of services needed to
help people living with addictions to improve their lives. This
continuum also includes primary health services, drug and alcohol
counselling and rehabilitation facilities.

Everyone needs to start somewhere. Victoria's needle exchange offers
a way to reduce the spread of hepatitis C and HIV, and to save lives
as a result; it also offers a place for people to ask for help and to
take their first steps toward recovery.

AVI continues to seek the necessary financial commitments from
government in order to provide a comprehensive, multidiscipline range
of services at the Victoria Needle Exchange. This would provide
individuals with more treatment and support options.

I remain convinced that the public will lend their undivided support
for these services if they are given the opportunity to see the
positive changes they can make in our community.

Miki Hansen,

executive director, AIDS Vancouver Island.