MOBILE NEEDLE EXCHANGE COULD HELP DOWNTOWN

Re: "Needle exchange proves a tough sell," April 6.

As the former executive director of Victoria AIDS Resource and
Community Service Society (VARCS), I have a radical suggestion. VARCS
and the Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users could both offer
mobile needle exchanges. These services could replace the fixed-site
exchange and, if properly funded and resourced, could offer clinics
and connection to other services.

By moving to a mobile model there would be fewer places where large
numbers of users would gather, such as Cormorant Street.

This by no means would solve substance misuse, but it would alleviate
some of the issues that are seen downtown. More attention still needs
to be paid to recovery and detox programs, poverty and mental illness.

Michael Yoder,

Victoria.