Drug users to receive crack pipes as part of pilot project
Vancouver health officials aim to reduce spread of diseases such as hepatitis C by giving clean equipment to non-injection users
The Vancouver Sun (Canada)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Vancouver health officials will distribute new crack pipes to non-injection drug users this fall as part of a pilot project aimed at engaging crack cocaine smokers and reducing the transmission of disease such as hepatitis C, HIV and even respiratory illnesses. The program, part of Vancouver's harm reduction strategy, is expected to start in October and run for six months to a year. The intent is to connect health care workers with crack cocaine smokers to evaluate how many of the drug users are in the city and what equipment they need to lower their risk of catching diseases. A kit with a clean, unused pipe, mouthpiece, filter and condoms will be handed out to the participants.
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