Pubdate: Wed, 07 May 2003
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: John McDonald

FIX IS GIVEN A RETURN ENGAGEMENT

Promoters of the documentary Fix, which played to packed houses last 
weekend at the Paramount Theatre, are so impressed with local response 
they're bringing the movie back this Friday for a return engagement.

Daryle Roberts, executive director of the AIDS Resource Centre which 
sponsored the local showing, said people were touched by the film which 
chronicles the drug addiction of a man in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

"The people in the audience were probably individuals who have been 
affected in some way by IV drug use and individuals who recognize this as a 
problem in our community and feel they want to be part of a solution," said 
Roberts.

"Many of the individuals who came up to me after the panel discussion asked 
what they can do to help."

Roberts said an estimate using a B.C. Centre for Disease Control formula 
indicates there is likely as many as 3,000 IV drug users in the Central 
Okanagan, only a fraction of whom use the needle exchange.

"We need to bring this out and find out if it's an issue in the Central 
Okanagan," he said. "By doing so, we can reduce harm to the community as whole.

Roberts said the price the community pays for ignoring the issue goes 
beyond a few break and enter thefts by junkies desperate for a fix.

"You have to look at the economic factor of someone becoming hepatitis C or 
HIV positive," he said.

"Do we have the appropriate resources in the community to meet the need."

One of the principals behind promoting the film--he also appears in it--is 
former Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen, who lost his bid for re-election when 
his own party refused to nominate him because of his stand on how to deal 
with the problem.

Owen took part in some of the panel discussions in Kelowna where he 
outlined the so-called four-pillar approach--harm reduction, education, 
treatment and enforcement.

Roberts said he's not sure if Kelowna needs a safe injection site but he 
would welcome a public debate on the subject.

"Talking about it is the only way we can determine if it is an issue for 
us," he said.

His organization is taking out full page ads in local newspapers inviting 
the mayors and councils of Kelowna and Lake Country to come see the show.

Roberts said with the exception of Coun. Sharon Shepherd, local politicians 
were notably absent from the Fix screenings. "I don't know why they didn't 
show up.

"Maybe they don't feel it's an issue or maybe they don't think it needs to 
be addressed at this time."

Fix will be showing at the Paramount Theatre beginning May 9, however, only 
the 7 p.m. showing on May 14 will be followed by a panel discussion.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom