Pubdate: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 Source: Whistler Question (CN BC) Copyright: 2002, Whistler Printing & Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.whistlerquestion.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1034 Author: Natalie McGinnis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) SEA TO SKY NEEDLE EXCHANGE UP & RUNNING The Sea to Sky corridor's first-ever needle exchange program is underway in Squamish. The program - which is headquartered in Squamish's Coast Garibaldi Health (CGH) office at Hunter Place - began Jan. 8 and aims to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis C through intravenous (IV) drug use. IV drug users have already started using the program, says Marilyn McIvor, CGH public health nursing manager. "Users are showing interest," she said. "People are starting to use the service. We have exchanged some needles." Along with providing clean needles on a one-for-one exchange basis, the program also offers a variety of resources, information and testing for communicable diseases, says McIvor. Program coordinator Glen Carney is available Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to exchange needles and to provide drug, alcohol and safe sex counselling on an optional basis. The program - which is modeled after other existing, successful needle exchanges in operation arou nd the country - will eventually move to Whistler and Pemberton, for one day each week in both locations. Community partners and stakeholders have expressed their support for the project, she said. For information, call Marilyn at (604) 932-3202, Amy at (604) 892-2293 or Glen at (604) 892-4364. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake