Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jun 2009
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Authors: Beverly Brookman, Derek Peach and Joanne Gillies

SYRINGE RECOVERY EVERY MORNING AT 6

Let's be clear: Harm Reduction Victoria volunteers have been 
conducting syringe recovery efforts every morning at 6 a.m. since 
launching the guerrilla needle exchange.

We also provide a biohazard container at the guerrilla needle 
exchange to collect used syringes in an area where mobile needle 
exchange service providers have been banned.

We are distributing syringes because the Vancouver Island Health 
Authority is failing to provide services that have been 
internationally recognized as the most effective way to prevent the 
transmission of HIV among people who use drugs by injection.

Fixed-site needle exchanges and supervised consumption services 
provide places for people who use drugs to safely dispose of their 
used equipment.

Until we provide appropriate housing and well-funded services for 
people who are homeless and use illicit drugs, you will continue to 
see discarded syringes on the streets.

Beverly Brookman

Derek Peach

Joanne Gillies

Harm Reduction Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom