Injection drug use concerns spur needle exchange in Selkirk

A new needle exchange pilot program aims to reduce harm among Selkirk residents who injectdrugs such as heroin.

Since the programlaunched July 3, more than 1,000 kits have been handed out to clientsaccording to Maxine Zasitko, public health manager with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

Selkirk'sfree,safe injection kits includesterile water, alcohol wipes, a tourniquet, a burner device for processing drugs, cotton, and a clean needle.

"We are a non-judgemental program," saidZasitko.The idea is to reduce harm to clients by reducing the chances of contracting HIV, HepatitisC, or developing an infection.

Zasitkosaidneedle exchange programs help entire communities stay healthy and there is evidence to back that up.

"We know that injection drug use ...or addiction really doesn't have any boundaries. This is not the first needle distribution program in Manitoba. We know that [programs like this]help to reduce disease." she said.

According to a recent article in the Selkirk Record, local residentshave been discovering discarded needles in recent months.

Selkirk MayorLarry Johannsontold CBC a recent Recordarticle wasthe first he hadheard of his city's injection drug problem:

"To be perfectly honest with you, I haven't heard too much about it ...If there is a bit of a problem it looks like we're going to rectify it," he said in an interview on Radio NoonFriday.

"Every city has drugs as every city has crime,"Johannsonsaid."We trust in theRCMPout here to keep a lid on crime, to keep the lid on drugs and I think they do a great job for us."

The population ofSelkirkis roughly 9,834 people.

Needle exchange kits can be picked up, confidentially, at Selkirk's public health office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.