NEEDLE-EXCHANGE BENEFITS TRUMP RISKS

I have been a volunteer at AIDS Vancouver Island for the past eight
years. I deal with people from all walks of life, including clients
from the needle exchange.

Most of the time, I find people who are using drugs are harming
themselves but are of no danger to me. When I treat them with
respect, I generally get respect back.

Do the neighbours think it will be better if the needle exchange is
closed down? It will probably be made worse.

I would be more frightened if people no longer have the support
services such as the street nurse, the food and counselling supports.
And they would not have clean syringes, which puts all of us at more risk.

If the needle exchange is closed down it could open up a Pandora's
box, affecting more people than the immediate neighbourhood.

It would be far more effective to provide affordable housing than to
remove services for people who are caught in the clutches of drug addiction.

Don Boulding,

Victoria.