Clinton News Record, 2016-12-28, Page 3Wednesday, December 28, 2016 • News Record 3
Needle Exchange Program active in Huron County
Jefferson House
Special to the News Record
A Needle Exchange Pro-
gram operates in several
sites across the county in
Clinton, Seaforth and
Goderich. In Clinton it is
offered through the Huron
County Health Unit, in
Goderich it is offered
through Choices For Change
and in Seaforth it is through
Dr. Datema's Methadone
clinic. However, the Health
Unit in Clinton is used the
most due to its accessibility.
On the health unit's web-
site, they say, "Like all health
units in Ontario, the Huron
County Health Unit offers a
needle exchange program at
several sites across the
county.
Needle exchange pro-
grams help ensure that
injection drug users have
access to sterile injection
equipment to prevent trans-
mission of HIV, hepatitis B,
hepatitis C and other blood-
borne infections and
diseases.
This approach is known as
a harm reduction strategy
and is proven across the
world, Canada and Ontario
to be effective in reducing
the spread of disease. It is
also proven to reduce the
number of needles dis-
carded in the community."
The program was minis-
try warranted for the Huron
County area in 2013 due to
a report regarding the
introduction of a harm
reduction strategy.
Weather is a key part in
accessibility for needle
Contributed photo
Per-fect Designs owner Percy Mcdonald and moose -winner Annette teRaa,
administrator at Clinton Public School.
Per-fect Designs moose
finds new home at C.P.S.
Justine Alkema
Clinton News Record
Percy Mcdonald at Per-fect Designs
in Clinton recently held a draw for an
especially cute prize - a giant stuffed
animal moose.
"I bought him and thought he was so
dam cute," said Mcdonald. "I thought
all my costumers would like the chance
to win him, and it was the best thing -
they all thought it would be amazing if
they were to win it."
The customer who ended up win-
ning the moose did so for a good cause;
Clinton Public School administrator
Annette teRaa was the luckywinnet
For teRaa, sheknewwhatshewanted
to do with the moose. She brought it
right to C.P.S. to make it's home there as
the "new school mascot" for all the kids
to enjoy.
"I was just elated that it was going to
go to the school;' said Mcdonald.
disposal. In the summer,
more people are able to
travel further distances to
come. In contrast, in win-
ter, harsh weather and
travel conditions limits
accessibility to facilities.
During 2016, between
the months of January and
June, supplies provided to
clients in March and April
(5575 supplies) was triple
the amount provided in
January and February (1700
supplies). Of the supplies
provided in total during the
recorded six months, the
Clinton facility was respon-
sible for 56%. Goderich
provided 29%, and Seaforth
supplied the clients with
15%.
The Health Unit said the
reason the Clinton facility
receives and distributes
needles and supplies more
than the other facilities is
due to accessibility for cli-
ents. The Health Unit is
open more often, which
allows for more opportu-
nities to deposit used
supplies.
Anyone is able to stop
and deposit their used sup-
plies or receive new sup-
plies. The facilities are not
exclusive to county resi-
dents only, meaning any-
one can go and get supplies
if needed.
The program is not meant
to eliminate the need for
drugs; it is meant to be a
way for clients from one of
Huron's most vulnerable
populations to get a supply
of clean, sterile resources in
order to preserve their
health from blood-borne
infections.
`Stolen truck destroyed by fire
1
(MORRIS-TURNBERRY, ON) -
Huron County Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) officers continue
to investigate a recent theft of a
pickup truck that was stolen from
a Holmes Line residence located
just north of Wingham on Decem-
ber 9, 2016.
Police believe those responsible
for the crime entered into a black,
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
sometime around 2:00 a.m.
Once inside the unlocked pickup,
those responsible located the igni-
tion key in the center console of the
vehicle. The truck then was taken
off the property and driven a short
distance away. Police believe the
suspects then loaded up various
items from the pickup truck and
transferred them into a getaway
vehicle.
File photo
Shortly after at 5:00 a.m., a plow
operator came along and located
the stolen pickup still smoldering
on Glenannon Road. Ultimately the
truck was completely destroyed by
fire. Some of the property stolen
from the pickup truck included:
• A black, "T/C Impact" break
action .50 calibre rifle muzzle
loader.
• A black, "Traditions" E bolt 209,
.50 calibre rifle muzzle loader with
an attached scope
• Ammunition
• A man's wallet containing various
pieces of identification
• 3 sets of two-way radios
• 2 sets of binoculars
Investigators would like to speak
with anyone that may have infor-
mation about this crime. Should
you have information please con-
tact the Huron County OPP Crime
Unit direct by calling (519) 524-
8314 or 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anony-
mous, you may call Crime Stoppers
at 1 -800 -222 -TIPS (8477), where
you may be eligible to receive a
cash reward of up to $2,000.
OFFICE HOURS
The Office Hours for The Clinton News
Record are as follows
Mondays - 9am - 5pm
Tuesdays - CLOSED
Wednesdays - 9am - 5pm
Thursdays - 9am - 5pm
Fridays - 9am - 5pm
53 Albert St., Clinton, ON
PH: 519-482-3443 • www.clintonnewsrecord.com
POS1N EDIA