FIX IS GIVEN A RETURN ENGAGEMENT

Promoters of the documentary Fix, which played to packed houses last
weekend at the Paramount Theatre, are so impressed with local response
they're bringing the movie back this Friday for a return engagement.

Daryle Roberts, executive director of the AIDS Resource Centre which
sponsored the local showing, said people were touched by the film which
chronicles the drug addiction of a man in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

"The people in the audience were probably individuals who have been
affected in some way by IV drug use and individuals who recognize this as a
problem in our community and feel they want to be part of a solution," said
Roberts.

"Many of the individuals who came up to me after the panel discussion asked
what they can do to help."

Roberts said an estimate using a B.C. Centre for Disease Control formula
indicates there is likely as many as 3,000 IV drug users in the Central
Okanagan, only a fraction of whom use the needle exchange.

"We need to bring this out and find out if it's an issue in the Central
Okanagan," he said. "By doing so, we can reduce harm to the community as whole.

Roberts said the price the community pays for ignoring the issue goes
beyond a few break and enter thefts by junkies desperate for a fix.

"You have to look at the economic factor of someone becoming hepatitis C or
HIV positive," he said.

"Do we have the appropriate resources in the community to meet the need."

One of the principals behind promoting the film--he also appears in it--is
former Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen, who lost his bid for re-election when
his own party refused to nominate him because of his stand on how to deal
with the problem.

Owen took part in some of the panel discussions in Kelowna where he
outlined the so-called four-pillar approach--harm reduction, education,
treatment and enforcement.

Roberts said he's not sure if Kelowna needs a safe injection site but he
would welcome a public debate on the subject.

"Talking about it is the only way we can determine if it is an issue for
us," he said.

His organization is taking out full page ads in local newspapers inviting
the mayors and councils of Kelowna and Lake Country to come see the show.

Roberts said with the exception of Coun. Sharon Shepherd, local politicians
were notably absent from the Fix screenings. "I don't know why they didn't
show up.

"Maybe they don't feel it's an issue or maybe they don't think it needs to
be addressed at this time."

Fix will be showing at the Paramount Theatre beginning May 9, however, only
the 7 p.m. showing on May 14 will be followed by a panel discussion.