NEEDLE EXCHANGES

Needle exchanges provide needles, needle cleaning supplies and condoms to injection drug users and sex trade workers. Needle exchange supplies are free. Client anonymity is a priority.

Why Needle Exchanges are Important

HIV can be transmitted by sharing used needles. Providing clean needles reduces the transmission of Hepatitis B and C and viral infections.

Unprotected sex places both men and women at high risk of HIV. Condoms reduce the risk the virus will enter the bloodstream through tears in the vagina or anus.

Contacting a Needle Exchange

Needle exchanges are located in:

• Campbell River
• Chilliwack
• Gibsons
• Kamloops
• Kelowna
• Nanaimo
• Powell River
• Prince George
• Prince Rupert
• Quesnel
• Surrey
• Vancouver
• Vernon
• Victoria

For information on needle exchange services in your community, call the Ministry of Health Service's toll-free information line at 1-800-465-4911 or contact your local health authority. Health authorities are also listed in the blue pages of your phone directory.

If You Find a Needle

If you or your child find or prick yourselves with a used needle, here's what to do: Universal Precautions - Healthfile #29

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Last Revised: December 17, 2007