vancouver island

By Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist

 

Illicit drug users and former users will lead a new Victoria organization that is aiming to open a harm reduction centre with supervised drug consumption services.

 

Those who have the experience and knowledge of drug use should be involved in shaping services, said Heather Hobbs of Harm Reduction Victoria, one of the organizers of the Victoria Harm Reduction Resource Centre Society.

 

The fledgling society will start fundraising at a July 17 event, with the goal of being able to offer comprehensive services, Hobbs said. "We envision a space where people who use drugs are welcomed by their peers and where they can access dignified, practical health supports."

 

Editorial: Times Colonist

 

The need for a fixed needle exchange in Victoria is clear to everyone involved -- the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the city, social agencies. Needle exchanges aren't miracle cures. But they save lives, reduce some of the disorder on the streets and connect intravenous drug users to services.

 

Yet for the last two years, this region has been without a proper needle exchange. And the latest plan from VIHA still fails to provide this needed health service.

 

By Toby Gorman - Nanaimo News Bulletin

 

A controversial harm reduction strategy will go ahead in Nanaimo, this time with city council’s consultation.

 

The Vancouver Island Health Authority’s original foray into providing safer tools for drug users three years ago was met with outrage from both council and neighbourhood groups because of a lack of consultation.

 

This time, VIHA will use several fixed sites in areas known to be havens for drug users instead of a mobile van.

 

Lorna Medd, a medical health officer with VIHA, spoke to city council Monday, though neighbourhood groups continue to look in from the outside where consultation is concerned.

 

Nanaimo neighbourhood associations want in on the conversation about harm reduction strategies the Vancouver Island Health Authority expects to roll out this summer.

The health authority plans to implement an Island-wide harm reduction strategy, including 60 sites in various communities.

About 10 sites are being considered in Nanaimo and will be secondary providers of harm reduction materials that include condoms, needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, push sticks, plastic tubes and cookers.