Pubdate: Mon, 01 May 2006
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2006
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Kendyl Salcito
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

HARM-REDUCTION CONFERENCE IN FULL SWING

Community-Based Program Highlighted

A program delegating medical care for drug abusers to local community 
centres will be showcased today at an international drug 
harm-reduction conference.

The Community Transitional Care Team oversees injection drug users 
who need "serious antibiotics" and relocates them from hospitals to 
smaller sites in their own neighbourhoods, explained Dr. David Marsh.

The program benefits patients because they are more comfortable and 
less antsy when closer to home, he said. Also, it eases the burden on 
Vancouver's medical system, freeing up hospital beds for other patients.

"It's going very well," said Marsh, who will explain the program in 
the first of his three lectures during the five-day event.

The conference kicked off yesterday at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown 
Vancouver. Events and displays for the 17th International Conference 
on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm are also being held at the 
Hyatt Regency Hotel.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom