Pubdate: Fri, 12 Apr 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Nova Pierson

SAFE DRUG SITES PUSHED FOR USERS

Intravenous drug users need safe injection sites to shoot up to help stop a 
"crisis" in the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and overdoses, activists say.

In 1999, 34% of Canada's new HIV infections were among intravenous drug 
users, as were 60% of new hepatitis C infections, according to a Canadian 
HIV/AIDS Legal Network report released yesterday.

In Alberta in 2000, 44% of new HIV cases were IV drug users, said Kevin 
Midbo, the network's president and executive director of AIDS Calgary.

"We estimate there are 6,000 intravenous drug users in Calgary -- that 
ranges from recreational, weekend users to hardcore addicts," Midbo said.

Safeworks Calgary exchanges needles and offers public health to 4,000 
users, said program co-ordinator Virginia Wheeler.

But she said if clients could take their drugs in a safe environment, with 
more access to counselling and health connections, it could help push them 
to fight their addiction.

A safe site is likely at least two years away, Wheeler said.

Alberta Health spokesman Howard May said while the transmission of diseases 
through IV use is a serious health concern, federal criminal laws make it 
impossible for them to consider such sites right now.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart