Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jun 2013
Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Chilliwack Times
Contact:  http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357
Author: Paul J. Henderson
Page: A5

MINI-CLINIC ON WHEELS

Improved needle exchange

Chilliwack's mobile needle exchange van just got a serious upgrade.

What was for nearly six years a needle exchange program operated out
of a Dodge mini-van, is now a mini-clinic for homeless and
drug-addicted people in a 22-foot, custom-renovated Ford bus.

"This is a tremendous step toward improving what was already a very
successful program," said city councillor Stewart McLean, co-chair of
the Chilliwack Healthier Community Stewardship Council (HCSC).

"To put this kind of resource on the street, where it can reach so
many of our marginalized residents, is exactly the kind of initiative
we want in Chilliwack."

Pacific Community Resources (PCRS) operates the Chilliwack-based
program with funding and a mandate from the Fraser Health Authority
(FHA). The original idea focused on collecting used needles from
intravenous drug users, to stem the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.

A press release points out that while Abbotsford debates and agonizes
over establishing a needle-exchange program, Chilliwack has had one
for 20 years.

"Our local businesses and government have been very supportive," said
Kim Lloyd, program co-ordinator. "We work directly with the Downtown
BIA and if any of their cleanup crews find a syringe, they return it
to us."

While in the past, clients of the mobile needle exchange had to stand
out in all weather where it is usually parked-at Young Road and
Princess Street, noon to 4 p.m., five days a week-now clients can sit
inside, receive health and outreach services, get testing and
vaccinations, and receive simple supplies like toiletries and clothing.

FHA outreach worker Tom McMahon knows many of the clients personally.
He recalled "some church ladies" who seemed apprehensive about the
program when they first saw the old van and stopped to ask what was
going on.

"They returned the next day with some baked goods for the clients,"
McMahon said. "It's not unusual for people to inquire about us, then
come back with blankets or clothing or food."

The vehicle, called the "Healthy Options" bus, was donated to PCRS by
Surrey's Mobile Youth Outreach (MoYO) program. The bus has a new
"skin" as part of its PCRS makeover-an original depiction of
Chilliwack scenery painted on the side.

The bus is operated as part of the new health contact centre at Young
Road and Hocking Avenue. In fact, some of the retrofitting for the van
came from furniture taken out of what was the Days Inn where the
health contact centre is.
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MAP posted-by: Matt