Needle Exchange Advisory Committee - I'm pleased to have been appointed to this committee as a representative from James Bay. This committee was recently established by VIHA to provide advice about issues related to establishing a new fixed site needle exchange in Victoria. This morning the committee had a workshop session to ensure that everyone understands the concept of harm reduction. It was useful for everyone to understand the public health issue underlying the need for a fixed site, as it will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, and HepC reduce hospital visits due to the effects of using dirty needles, and provides other health advice and referrals to addicts, who often do not have a family doctor or access other clinics. Speaking to the others in attendance it became clear to me that everyone, from whatever sector they are representing, agree with the need for a fixed site and want to ensure that it will be designed to minimize possible negative impact on the surrounding community. CommentsLeave a Reply | About me
I retired from the British Columbia public service in 2005, following a 28 year career. During this time I was a Senior Policy Analyst and at various times held responsibility for employment and labour relations policy, women's programs, child care policy, prepared reports to the International Labour Office, and managed domestic and international human rights, including preparing status reports on UN Conventions. I managed a $124 million child care subsidy program, and was the lead for British Columbia during Canada's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I also provided input to draft UN conventions on persons with disabilities, and the Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal Persons. One of my favorite roles was representing British Columbia on the Provincial/Federal/Territorial Committee of Officials on Human Rights. From 1987 to 1990 Iheld the position of Alderman (as it was then) Victoria's City Council, with primarily responsibility for Parks and Heritage. Currently I hold the position of Chair of the World Community Service Committee of Victoria's Harbourside Rotary Club, and am busy drafting an application for funding for a clean water project in Honduras. I volunteer with seniors at Beacon Hill Villa, taking residents on outings, and have a blast volunteering in the soup kitchen at Our Place. I enjoy sewing, and have been an avid dragonboater. I have not paddled regularly the past couple of years, but I did sit in with the MS Warriors for a race in Nanaimo this summer. This is a team made up of people who have multiple sclerosis, and they are a very fun, inspiring group of people. ArchivesMarch 2011 Categories |
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