NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM IS LIKELY TO BE PERMANENT

The Halton Region Needle Exchange Program is set to move beyond the pilot
project stage.

The Region's health and social services committee members passed a motion
last Tuesday that will see the program -- named Exchange Works -- become a
permanent health department program subject to the approval of the 2002
operating budget.

The annual Exchange Works budget is estimated at $81,000.

Regional council is expected to formally address the matter tomorrow.

"Based on the information we have right now, we feel the program needs to
continue," Halton's Medical Health Officer Dr. Bob Nosal told the
committee. "So much of this depends on the contacts and networking that
takes place and that's what has been the focus so far."

Exchange Works began operation in May, developing partnerships with service
agencies, creating educational material for injection drug users and
conducting outreach work. Needle exchanges have also been organized at the
Sexual Health Clinics in Milton, Burlington, Acton and Georgetown, though
to date, none have been used.

"It's very slow gaining the trust of users because of the illegal nature of
injection drug use," explained Denise Mousseau, Hamilton community outreach
worker and representative on the Halton Needle Exchange Advisory Committee.
"The key to outreach is that it's client driven."

The mobile exchange service has seen substantially more success, said
Halton outreach worker Cecil McDougall. To date, 78 individuals have used
the needle exchange.

"We've made a conscious effort here in Halton to ensure we also include
those who inject steroids. The concern being that young people might be
exposed to the sharing of needles," Mr. McDougall said.

While the program received the support of the committee, a pair of
councillors expressed disappointment in the need to spend taxpayer dollars
for a needle exchange. "I'm going to support it, but I have to tell you I
definitely have difficulty with it," said Oakville Councillor Jack Dennison.

Added Milton Councillor Richard Malboeuf, "You're not alone."