Pubdate: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Matt Erickson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) SAFE-INJECTION SITES GAINING GROUND I fear people's biases around needle exchanges and safe-injection sites are leading them to overlook the benefits. These facilities provide information on addiction, counselling, clean equipment and staff to treat wounds, abscesses and infections. There is even peer support, opiate-replacement therapy and withdrawal management. Right now there are 45 cities around the world with 85 injection sites. Every one says we wish we'd done it sooner and had more. In a letter earlier this year Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said, "to date the impressive research findings that have been published demonstrate that (the site) not only provides a significant opportunity to generate knowledge, it also appears to be an important protective factor in the lives of those individuals that use the facility." Insite in Vancouver has had no overdose deaths. How can we say these places aren't safe or are making our world a worse place when they are getting drugs off the streets, decreasing the spread of infections, including HIV, and bringing much needed awareness. Matt Erickson Victoria. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman