PROGRAM REDUCES HARM

For several years, a needle exchange program operating out of Coast
Garibaldi Health on Alberta Avenue has been part of the harm reduction concept.

It's open every Tuesday and Friday from 12:30 pm to 4 pm and clients can
use the main entrance or a separate one.

Connected to the needle exchange are a number of services, said public
health nurse Karen Peel. "There are nursing services for immunization,
blood testing, and education, counselling, and referral to drug and alcohol
counsellors or detox programs." About 25 clients access the program on a
regular basis but that number, Peel claims, is only the tip of the iceberg.
"The RCMP estimate that we probably have about 200 [users]. It's about
education, and of course recovery of needles."

Recently, Peel spoke to someone who uses the needle exchange program.
Following are excerpts from that conversation:

Question: What is harm reduction and what does it mean to you?

"Accessibility of new needles and the amount that I need. You only use a
needle once. New needles keep bruising and infections down. I no longer
have to reuse or resharpen needles. It also reduces the chance of getting
hepatitis C or HIV.

"It's also about recovery of needles. That's important in preventing
disease. I wouldn't like to see a child or anyone poked by a needle. They
shouldn't be thrown away, but turned into the needle exchange."

Question: How did you hear about the needle exchange?

"From Narcotics Anonymous. It took me about three months to come in. I came
in with a buddy. I was impressed with the openness. I had no problem,
coming on my own after that. The anonymity is there. I am treated with
respect and I feel valued. It took a few more months but then I felt
comfortable enough to be tested for HIV and hepatitis C. That's how I found
out I had hepatitis C. The public health nursing services are very important. "

Question: Have the needle exchange services been beneficial to you?

"Yes, I am much healthier now. I am up to date with my immunizations. I get
all the information and support I need when I need it. "

Question: What are some of the barriers to accessing the needle exchange?

"People think they are invisible and that no one knows they are using. They
think that if they come to the needle exchange, then others will know that
they are using drugs. It's a small town. Basically they're in denial."