Service Update - Needle Exchange Delivery after May 31

+ AIDS Vancouver Island’s fixed needle exchange site is set to close on May 31, 2008. A new fixed site has not been found, but AVI will continue to pursue options for fixed needle exchange delivery, in line with best practice guidelines for needle exchange services.

+ After May 31st, AVI will be operating a trial mobile needle exchange program until it finds a new fixed site for the program. This trial will be reviewed at the end of June and then at the end of September. Every effort will be made to meet both the needs of the clients while limiting the impact on the broader community and taking their concerns into account.

+ AVI foot outreach will operate in the downtown core in the afternoon and the mobile van will drive a set route in the evening hours as well as responding to calls. The trial mobile route has been developed in consultation with the Victoria Police and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and with input from the City of Victoria. The route will travel from Herald St. along Government St. along Rock Bay Ave. and back along Douglas St. to Herald St. It will include one confirmed stop point on Princess Ave.near the corner of Government St.

+ The vehicle route will be governed by a Code of Conduct for the service, which specifies that program will have No Service Zones, which will include schools, daycares, open businesses, and faith organizations.

+ The Vancouver Island Health Authority is setting up a Needle Exchange Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from neighborhood associations, police, the City of Victoria, service users and needle exchange providers. This Committee will examine issues that arise and provide feedback on issues related to the delivery of needle exchange programs.

+ AVI is making every effort to communicate changes to all clients so that they are aware of where to obtain needle exchange and health services after May 31, 2008.

+ AVI will enhance the collection of syringes and will continue to work closely with other groups who perform this task in order to offer coordinated and efficient syringe disposal to the best of our ability.

+ Services provided through the mobile will include the distribution and exchange of needles, condoms and other harm reduction supplies. The program staff will, when possible, provide treatment information, referral services, and prevention information (e.g. safe sex, vein care). Yet their ability to spend a lot of time with clients may be limited if there is a high level of demand for needle exchanges or if the van needs to move on.