Pubdate: Sun, 14 Mar 2010
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Katie DeRosa

ADVOCATES PUSH FOR NEEDLE SITE

As the second anniversary of the needle exchange site's eviction 
approaches, advocates of the service renewed their cries for a new 
fixed location at a low-key rally yesterday.

"We want to hold them [Victoria councillors] to their promise to make 
harm reduction a priority," said Heather Hobbs of Harm Reduction 
Victoria, who helped organize what she called a townhall meeting for 
drug users. She said the City has talked to experts and hosted panel 
discussions but has yet to take any action.

Supporters will hold a rally at City Hall on April 15, said Hobbs, 
standing on the grassy median in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.

The needle exchange on Cormorant Street was shut down in May 2008 
after complaints were made of discarded needles, refuse and excrement.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority now operates a mobile needle 
exchange, handing out clean needles and collecting used ones.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart