AIDS Vancouver Island announces plans to relocate needle exchange

Victoria - AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI), Victoria’s principal needle exchange service provider, has announced it is seeking another location to provide its critical services to its clients.

“AVI and its community partners recognize the present location of the needle exchange is no longer appropriate,” said Marilyn Callahan, board chair of AIDS Vancouver Island. “AVI is currently working with community groups to develop strategies to move the exchange to a non-residential location where services can be increased to address Victoria’s substance use crisis while minimizing impacts on the local community.”

Several sectors of the community — including the City of Victoria, the Victoria Police, neighbourhood stakeholders, leaders of the Victoria business community, and partnering service providers — have held meetings to develop a plan for the move of the city’s primary needle exchange.

Although a new location has not yet been chosen, AVI’s board and management have determined that the program will require the addition of specialized staff and additional annual funding supports from various levels of government and from the private sector in order to sustain the program in a stand-alone location.

“We want to assure the public that this relocation will carefully consider the needs of the whole community,” said Marilyn Callahan. “We also recognize that strong community support and new resources are required to move this program in a manner that guarantees access to the critical services our clients need to save their lives and to provide them with specialized care to win their struggles with addiction.”

“The City is committed to assisting AVI find an appropriate location for the vital services it provides, while restoring a safe and quiet environment for our residents and businesses in the neighbourhood of Cormorant Street,” said Mayor Alan Lowe.

Deputy Police Chief Bill Naughton said he “is pleased to be working with such a solid and committed group of organizations to develop a sustainable solution that restores public safety and order in our community.”

AVI has scheduled meetings with the Vancouver Island Health Authority to discuss appropriate funding levels prior to securing a new location for the program. In addition, AVI will be seeking support from the private sector, foundations and other funding sources in order to ensure that needle exchange services can be delivered as effectively and as efficiently as possible for many years to come.

AIDS Vancouver Island has provided community health services focused on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in Greater Victoria and in locations across Vancouver Island since 1985.

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For more information contact:
Katrina Jensen, A/Executive Director, AIDS Vancouver Island
250-384-2366