Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 Source: Victoria News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Victoria News Contact: http://www.vicnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1267 Author: Brennan Clarke Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) COUNCIL DIVIDED OVER NEEDLE DROP BOXES A proposal to install mailbox-like receptacles for used needles in downtown Victoria evoked mixed feelings from Victoria city councillors last week. But no matter what council decides, there's a consensus that efficient and effective syringe disposal is only part of the solution to the city's drug problems. "I must say that I have discomfort with the original plan... needle drop boxes in public places actually are not successful at all," Coun. Dean Fortin admitted at Thursday's committee-of-the-whole meeting, citing Baltimore Maryland, Md. and Worcester, Mass. as examples. "In other places they have been abandoned for needle exchange programs, which we already have." Fortin, a vocal supporter of harm-reduction approaches to addiction, called for more resources for needle exchange programs and expressed frustration at the federal government's reluctance to approve a safe injection site for Victoria. "Where's our safe injection site? It's clear all the studies say that's the way to go," Fortin said. Mayor Alan Lowe, also a supporter of the safe-injection site concept, sided with Fortin, saying "it's more effective to deal with the needle exchange" and suggesting that the city work more closely with the pharmacies that sell syringes. Part of council's reluctance stems from the idea that needle drop boxes would tarnish the city's image. Coun. Charlayne Thornton-Joe, however, said the public has to realize that used syringes pose a significant public safety risk and accept that drug-use is a fact of life in the Capital Region. "When it comes to public safety, even if one needle ends up in a drop box, to me that gives me some comfort," she said on a Victoria radio talk show Sunday. "I think someone said people would be afraid to hear that we have drug issues, but I'm sorry, people know that. They are there. "We said we didn't want the big mailboxes that were discussed a few years ago, but... I think there could be discrete small boxes in key areas where there is high demand." Six weeks ago, the Vancouver Island Health Authority launched a needle drop box program in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Two receptacles have been installed, one at the Sixth Street entrance to the Courtenay Riverway and one at Standard Park. The project was championed by the mother of a seven-year-old son who sustained a needle-poke injury last summer from a discarded needle he found in their curbside driveway. Tests have so far indicated the boy did not contract AIDS or any other disease in the encounter. Vancouver Island Health Authority spokesperson Suzanne Germain said the Courtenay boxes are being used but it's too soon the measure the success of the program. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman