Needle exchange programs see significant increase in demand

Needle distribution programs are seeing a significant increase in demand in cities across New Brunswick and research is underway to find out what is behind that spike in use.

DebbyWarren, of AIDS Moncton, says its centre handed out 101,000 needles to intravenous drug users this year, compared to 79,000 needles in the previous year.

Warren doesn't believethe 25 per centincrease isbecause there are more people injecting drugs.

"We're at that 450 to500 number of people who access the service and that's been the same over the last two years," she said.

"Therefore it's the needle use and ...it depends on the drug that they're injecting and are they distributing [needles] to other people in their own circles? So we're really not sure what's going on".

Warren says the increase is not justhappening in Moncton. Saint John is also experiencing a risein needle distribution.

Diane McGovern,who coordinates the needle exchange program for AIDS Saint John, says distribution is up in her city by 30 per cent which is not necessarily a bad thing.

"Even though we have 10 to 15 new people per year, that number stays pretty steady, so that means there are people moving on on one end and new people coming in the other," she said.

"So that's good news for our community, that people feel safe and confident to come."

McGovern says needle distribution centres are doing a good job of connecting with the community, and word is spreading.

Warren says the rise in the number of needles being distributeddoes raise financial concerns for her organization.

"That 14 cent needle saves thousands of dollars in the health care system by preventing... infections."

Over the next few weeks, Warren says they'll start to consult with their clients and other distribution programs to find out what is causing the increased needle use.

There are needles exchange centres inMoncton, Fredericton, Saint John andMiramichi that offer freeneedles to intravenous drug users in an effort to reduce the spread and harm from HIV, hepatitis C and other infections.